Do you remember as a kid your parents always telling you to eat your greens? Well do you know why? Arugula, collard greens, chard, watercress etc. are probably the most nutritious foods you can consume. Greens (the darker they are the better) are packed with vitamins A, B, K and others as well as essential minerals like calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium...as well as many antioxidants that help protect cells from damage.
Greens promote healthy blood flow by lowering blood pressure due to the natural nitrates within them. As we age our bodies produce less nitric oxide so you must eat more nitrates to keep everything functioning properly.
High fiber greens help fill you up and speed up digestion so they are great if you are trying to lose a few pounds. Recommendation is trying to consume 3 to 5 ounces of leafy greens per day.
Here is a list of some of the healthiest greens available to eat: Swiss Chard; arugula, kale, bok choy, collard greens, watercress, spinach, escarole and mustard greens.
Best way to consume is steamed or stir fried..if cooked too long you lose more nutrients. Also be sure to consume with a bit of healthy oil (olive oil, peanut oil, walnut oil) to help your body absorb the nutrients.
Enjoy and be healthy!
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