Green Foods-Perfect for St. Patrick's Day!
With St. Patrick's Day just around the corner green has b
een on my mind!! Green foods are an essential part of a healthy diet!Here are some of my favorites:
Kiwi-According to the California Kiwifruit Commission, this fuzzy green fruit provides 230 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C (almost twice that of an orange), more potassium than a banana, and 10 percent of the recommended daily allowances of vitamin E and folate. It’s also a good source of fiber!!
Kale-Belongs to the powerhouse family of greens known as cruciferous veggies (a fancy word for the cabbage family). All cruciferous vegetables contain cancer-fighting plant compounds and vitamin C. Kale in particular also has bone-boosting vitamin K, vision- and immune-boosting vitamin A.
Green Tea- Has potent antioxidants; it has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and more, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Spinach-Spinach doesn’t just make you big & strong like Popeye, it also gives improves overall bone health thanks to the large amount of vitamin K. Spinach is also a brain food, enhancing nervous system health and improving brain functions. AND it contains over 600% of your daily value of vitamin A in one bunch!
Asparagus-This springtime vegetable is rich in vitamins K, C, A, and folate; it also has a number of anti-inflammatory nutrients. Asparagus is famous for a healthy dose of inulin — a “prebiotic” that promotes digestive health — and is high in fiber (about 3 grams per cup) and protein (4 to 5 grams per cup). Fun fact: Asparagus’s amino acid called asparagine, which helps cleanse the body of waste, is responsible for the odd-smelling urine some people experience after eating it.
Basil- is a good source of vitamin K and iron; fresh basil leaves have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Snip some leaves into salads, pasta, or any Italian dish. I LOVE PESTO!!!
Copyright, 2012, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness MN, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or jackieamart@hotmail.com.
As a holistic nutrition and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.
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