Grandma knew best when she used to say, "Eat your Greens!"
Green plant foods are a vital part of a healthy diet for two main reasons:
1. Greens contain Chlorophyll which helps to build the blood and promotes the production of red blood cells for healing and repair;
2. Chlorophyll is an internal detoxifier that supports the release of acidic waste and odours from the body.
Chlorophyll absorbs energy from sunlight, and this energy is later used to convert carbon dioxide into carbohydrates.
The problem today, is that a soberingly high percentage of people simply don't get enough greens into their diet on a daily basis.
Even relatively health-conscious folks often overlook green whole foods and wander why they end up with inflammatory conditions and compromised immunity.
It cannot be overstated. Every day you should include a selection of seasonal green foods into your diet such as:
- Lettuce
- Cucumber
- Sprouts
- Kale
- Spinach
- BokChoy
- Swiss Chard
- Collard
- Cabbage
- Sprouts
Green leafy vegetables in particular, are among the absolute best foods on the planet for you. So much so, they should be considered "super foods".
Why Greens Fight Inflammation & Cancer
So, what makes greens so good for you?
Besides the pigment known as chlorophyll, green vegetables are absolutely loaded with fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants - all key nutrients for building robust, reliable health.
Greens don’t only help keep you nourished, they’ve also actively boost immunity, helping to ward off and heal congestion and diseases.
Kale, for example, is one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet, loaded with anti-cancer compounds, rich in Vitamin C, iron, and known for its ability to reduce heart disease risk and to support digestive and liver health.
Another well known Green dietary staple is Spinach. Super rich in iron, to help avoid avoid anaemia, as well as potent nutrients to protect the hair, skin, bones, eyes and brain.
Another amazing group of greens include sulforaphanes ("sulpher-ines"), which are the cruciferous family of vegetables, such as Broccoli, Cabbage, Brussel Sprouts, which are known to slow cancer and tumour growth in the body, reduce inflammation and neutralise toxins.
The darker leafy greens are also an amazing source of calcium, which can help slow down, and prevent arthritis, and osteoporosis.
So, now that you're convinced about why Greens are such a vital food group that should not be ignored, here we share 5 of our favourite easy tips to help you get more greens into your diet on a daily basis:
1. Boost your morning smoothie or juice with greens
Kick starting your day with a green smoothie or juice is one of the best ways to get your green veggie quota for the day.
For a delightful, nutrient-packed green smoothie, add the following ingredients to your Vitamix and blend until smooth:
- 250-300ml chilled coconut water or almond milk
- 1 cup Spinach or Kale leaves (or combo of both)
- 1/4 ripe Avocado flesh
- 1/2 frozen banana
- 2 x pitted organic medjool dates
- 1/2 teaspoon chia seeds (optional)
If you don't have fresh raw greens handy, simply substitute with a scoop or heaped Tablespoon of RAW Green Juice Powder
2. Add greens into your morning scramble
Whether you scramble organic tofu or free-range eggs for breakfast or a mid-morning meal, spruce up your scramble with a cup of sautéed spinach, kale or silver beet for a green nutrient boost.
3. Make lunch a green salad or nourish bowl
One of the best daily dietary habits you can get into, is to include a green salad at lunch time.
Prepare it in advance or when you're ready to enjoy. Simply add two handfuls of your favourite greens e.g. Crispy lettuce and fresh spinach or rocket and then add in your extra ingredients.
There's no limit to how you can dress up a healthy green salad, but some of our favourite additions include:
- Continental Cucumber
- Spanish Onion
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Avocado Chunks
- Walnuts
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Green Apple Slices
- Fresh Lime or Lemon Juice
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Sea Salt and Ground Black Pepper
It's so easy to bring to life a basic bowl of fresh greens by being a little creative and adding in delightful staples like Avocado and Raw Nuts as a substitute for meats or animal products.
Add as many ingredients as takes your fancy, lightly toss and enjoy.
4. Add a handful of Greens to your comfort food!
Just because you know the importance of adding more raw plants to your diet, it doesn't mean you can't enjoy your favourite cheat meal or fast food every once in a while.
If you're making or ordering a pizza or burrito from your local, just ask for a handful of rocket or spinach on the side. Add a small handful to each slice or bite and you'll be adding a healthy touch to your comfort foods too!
5. Raw Green Juice Powders
If you’re finding it hard to fit in your daily greens, check out our Raw GREEN Juice Powder. Super convenient, refreshingly and easy to drink, our Raw Greens pack a nutritional punch any time you're short on fresh green options at home or when you're on the go.
Mix briskly a scoop, or heaped tablespoon of Green Juice Powder into a large glass of pure chilled water and enjoy. It's perfect first thing in the morning as a mid-morning pick up or as a nutrient booster in between meals.
The Main Takeaway
Getting enough green vegetables into your diet is one of the best things you can do to maintain strong, healthy blood and to support your body's natural detoxification processes.
Not only that, greens add freshness, colour and crunch to snacks and meals that you will learn to love the more you incorporate them into your diet.
Make leafy greens and green vegetables a part of your daily eating plan and you'll not only be supporting vital functions of your body, but you'll also greatly reduce your risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease over the long term.
Tolman Self Care.
