GREEN FOODS BENEFIT HEALTH

Don’t shun green foods. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that fight ageing and many diseases, including cancer.

Green foods are especially abundant in nutrients associated with heart health including, Vitamin K, magnesium, potassium, dietary nitrates, and folates. A meta-analysis found that consuming green vegetables every day could reduce cardiovascular (CVD) risk by 15.8% (Illinois Extension).

Leafy greens (eg: spinach, lettuce, arugula, celery, Swiss chard) are high in nutrients, particularly dietary nitrates that protect heart health and reduce blood pressure. Cruciferous vegetables (eg: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, bok choy) are associated with reduced CVD deaths and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ensure you’re getting a good daily dose of heart-protective nutrients by eating more of the green foods listed above.

(Pic via Nutrition Guide)