When it comes to a healthy diet, green is definitely the new black! If you are wanting to get the most nutritional value out of what you eat so that you can keep a normal weight, strengthen your muscles, bones and immune system and generally improve your overall health and well-being, then consider using these five green foods in your diet on a daily basis. They are all versatile enough to fit into a variety of dishes and are all nutritional powerhouses!
Kale
One of the most illustrious members of the cruciferous vegetable family, this leafy green will give you a wealth of Vitamin A, C and K as well as dietary fiber, potassium and folate. It also contains strong antioxidant compounds like lutein which delay the aging process and even can fend off serious conditions like colon cancer. Its high fiber content also helps promote good digestion.
Avocado
Avocadoes are another green food that you should be consuming daily due to its health benefits. Its powerful anti-inflammatory action is said to rival that of NSAID’s and is great for those suffering from the pain of chronic conditions like arthritis. It also is rich in phytochemicals which are said to fight off cancer and also enhances the body’s ability to absorb other healthful compounds like lycopene, beta-carotene and lutein.
Green Tea
Okay, okay, technically this is a green drink and not a green food, but it is just as healthy as the fruits and vegetables listed here. Green tea is an incredibly rich source of polyphenols, compounds which have shown to fight off some forms of cancer, help prevent cardiac disease and even protect the body against serious neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. It is well worth daily consumption!
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts contain large amounts of Vitamins A and C as well as potassium, tryptophan and folate. What makes them really special though is that they are also a rich source of glucosinolates. These compounds break down in the body into other compounds which prevent the replication of cancer cells and even cause these cancer cells to die. Even in comparison with other members of the cruciferous family such as kale, broccoli or cauliflower, Brussels sprouts are particularly rich in these glucosinolates.
Kiwi Fruit
Kiwi fruits are even higher in Vitamin C than oranges, which can really benefit your body as Vitamin C strengthens the immune system and makes it easier to fight off infection and disease. It is an anti-inflammatory and can help asthma sufferers, while its antioxidant properties prevent oxidative damage to DNA which has been linked to cancer development. They are also high in fiber, so they can help improve your digestion.
These five fab green foods are more than worth your time on a daily basis. If you are wanting a truly healthy (and delicious) diet, consider consuming more of them, as they are not hard to prepare and will bring you a trove of health benefits.
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