Green is the new black: unlock the power of leafy greens

Eat your greens. It's a phrase that you've likely heard over and over again. There is, however, some truth to what our parents used to continuously tell us. Adding more leafy greens to our diets, does in fact, come with many health benefits. 

So what exactly are the benefits of eating your greens? Well, for starters, they're packed with all sorts of vitamins and minerals that our bodies need to function properly. Let's take a look at some examples:

Kale is extremely high in nutrients, such as vitamin, A, C, and K. It also contains antioxidants like beta-carotene and lutein. It's best to consume kale raw to retain as many nutrients as possible.

One of the most protein-rich leafy greens is spinach, also containing vitamin K, A, magnesium and iron. To support red cell production and fetus development during pregnancy, spinach also contains folate. Try adding a handful of baby spinach to your next smoothie!

Rocket, also known as arugula, is packed with dietary nitrates, vitamin K, folate and pro-vitamin A carotenoids. It's thought that consuming rocket can help to lower blood pressure. 

Featured a lot in asian cuisine, bok choy is rich in selenium which is an important mineral that is thought to aid cognitive and thyroid function, support your metabolism and a healthy immune system.

But, the benefits of greens go beyond just vitamins and minerals. They're also a great source of fiber, which can help keep us feeling full and satisfied after a meal which is especially helpful if you're trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Fiber can also help regulate digestion and prevent constipation, making it great for our gut health as well.

Heard of volume eating? Because most green vegetables are low in calories and high in nutrients, you can eat a lot of them without consuming too many calories. This is particularly helpful for those who are trying to reduce their calorie intake but still want to feel full and satisfied. Being so versatile, they can be added to salads, smoothies, soups, stir-fries, and more, so it's easy to incorporate them into your diet in a way that works for you.

Not already eating a diet rich in greens? It's time to start. Whether you're a fan of spinach, kale, rocket, or any other type of leafy green, there are plenty of ways to add more of them to your diet. Challenge yourself and see how many leafy greens you can add to your diet this week - your taste buds (and your body) will be glad you did!