Why You Need To Eat Your Greens

Chances are, you probably remember being told as a child that you should eat your greens. That’s because leafy green vegetables are loaded with nutrients and vitamins, vital for the healthy functioning of the human body. Leafy greens contain potent combinations of minerals, vitamins, and phytonutrients that act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, both of which offer impressive benefits.

It’s pretty compelling stuff. Eating your greens daily can help you live longer and fight diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Let’s look in more depth at some of the reasons why you should get your daily dose of greens.

They’re Powerful in Managing Weight

Green vegetables are low in calories and high in fiber, meaning you can eat your fill without worrying about gaining weight. They’re also jam-packed with nutrients that help you maintain a healthy and strong metabolism that can help you maintain a healthy weight. For more tips on weight management, visit Wellness Nova.

They Support Healthy Brain Function

Studies have found that those who eat the most leafy green have slower rates of cognitive decline than those who eat the least. Eating your greens daily is a good strategy if you plan on keeping your mind in good shape into your golden years.

Control Stress and Balance Blood Sugars

Leafy greens are an excellent source of folate which helps your body produce mood-regulating neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine. Next time you’re stressed, consider reaching for green juice instead of alcohol!

Eating a portion of leafy greens with every meal can also help you maintain healthy blood glucose levels. Even just one serving a day is enough to make a noticeable difference.

Supports Optimal Gut Health

If you struggle with issues such as leaky gut, autoimmune system problems, or food sensitivities, including more greens in your diet could be a useful tonic. A gene known as T-bet is switched on by cruciferous vegetables and instructs precursor cells in your intestinal lining to produce innate lymphoid cells (ILCs).

ILC’s have many positive functions, including protecting your body against inflammation and gut infections, helping to secure a healthy immune response, and seal leaks in the gut. ILC’s have also been shown to help manage allergies.

Balances Bacteria

Greens protect your body from bad bacteria, while the fiber simultaneously feeds the good bacteria in your gut. This highly desirable combination makes greens a superb choice for anyone suffering from gastrointestinal distress of almost any kind.

Balances Bacteria

             Photo by Char Beck on Unsplash

They Help Fight Cancer

The carotenoids (and other anticancer nutrients) present in leafy greens make them powerful in fighting against cancer. The regular consumption of greens can also help in the prevention and treatment of cancer as a long-term strategy.

Boost Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes are vital for breaking down and absorbing the nutrients we consume in our food. A deficiency in any of these enzymes is likely to cause all kinds of gastrointestinal distress, including gas, bloating, constipation, and reflux. Raw leafy greens are among the best foods you can eat to support your body in the production of these vital enzymes.

Immune Support

Greens such as moringa can help produce a healthy response to oxidative damage that has occurred in your body. Studies have also found similar promising results with the consumption of broccoli, arugula, and kale.

The Bottom Line: Mom Knows Best

It seems that there is definitely wisdom and scientific evidence behind your mother nagging you to eat your greens as a child. The combination of all these powerful health benefits should provide more than enough compelling evidence to convince you to eat your greens daily.