Hello there, Beautiful People!
Green vegetables are nature's superfoods. The term "greens'' sometimes refers solely to leafy greens (spinach, kale, bok choy and more) in the nutrition pop-culture world, but ANY green veggies serve as disease-fighting rock stars.
They fight cancer with a vengeance. They help put the brakes on aging. We all know that they're healthy. Greens are packed with nutrients that go way beyond the food label. Without consuming them daily, it's hard to achieve a superb level of health!
Why Should We Have Greens?
Since I'm living with a type of cancer and certainly want to protect myself as best as possible from other types down the road, I make an effort to consume my nutrient-dense greens daily in order to protect my temple (body) from free radical damage. I enjoy a massive “dose” of spinach and other greens in a smoothie every single day. The blender pulverizes the greens, making the nutrients super bio-available to the body. This equates to easily digested nutrients straight to the blood.
Sometimes, I'll grab an additional green juice as well during the day (#ilovehealth all the way). Since it’s not always feasible to juice during the day, I buy a pure green cold-pressed juice from a health food store. I feel a clean burst of energy each time I do this.
Goitrogens in Green Vegetables
If you’re worried about consuming goitrogens in cruciferous greens such as kale…rest assured that you’d have to eat a LOT of raw crucifers for them to affect your thyroid function. Cooking greatly reduces the amount of goitrogens in foods that contain them. Ahem, sauteed kale with EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) or avocado oil with garlic and onions (two additional superfoods), anyone? Steaming is also a super healthy way to enjoy your cruciferous greens. You can always use spinach as your raw green in your daily smoothie. And, lastly - consuming adequate iodine in your diet is a surefire way to keep your thyroid humming (seaweed is an excellent source of iodine and other nutrients).
Key Nutrients in Your Greens
Here are some of the key nutrients that contribute to the health-protecting profiles of green veggies:
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Loaded with chlorophyll, which is the plant pigment responsible for the gorgeous green color in vegetables, which has the potential to:
- Block carcinogenic (cancer-causing) effects
- Protect our precious DNA
- Note that spinach is one of the best food sources of chlorophyll (bound to magnesium) out there! Parsley is up there as well!
- Exert an alkalizing effect in your body
- Contain phytonutrients such as cancer-fighting carotenoids and lutein
- Packed with various vitamins and minerals such as folate, calcium, & Vitamin K
- Vitamin K is important for bone health, heart health, and blood clotting
Tip: Step it up a notch, health-lovers!
No matter what type of smoothie you're making, always add in greens. Spinach blends well so you don't even taste its presence. Even kids who don't like veggies can down a fruit and greens smoothie - so can you!
As a beautifying bonus, add some stomach-filling and cholesterol-lowering benefits to your green smoothie, by adding one tablespoon of flax or chia seeds. Your body will love you back sooner than you can say "kale!”
Until next time…
XoXo, Rachelle
Read more on Rachelle Cave's website.
Disclaimer: The content in this article/blog post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician before starting a diet, exercise, or lifestyle regimen. This content is intended for educational purposes only.
About Rachelle Caves: Rachelle Caves is a well-experienced Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Personal Trainer. Her passion in life is helping individuals cultivate a life of health and wellness, in an encouraging and uplifting manner. Rachelle’s nutrition philosophy revolves around the health-promoting effects of a plant-based, phytonutrient-rich diet. With the goal of ultimate health and wellness, Rachelle emphasizes the protective benefits of a predominantly plant-based diet that excludes calorie-counting, while incorporating effective exercise and positive mind-body techniques. You can read more from her on her website.
She has ample experience coaching clients in-person, virtually, and in groups, both in renowned medical centers and private settings. She has taught individuals and groups on topics including attaining high levels of health, weight management, fitness techniques, heart health, and diabetes, all while helping clients achieve a healthy weight without counting carbohydrates or calories. She enjoys writing and reviewing articles on all topics pertaining to health and wellness. She currently offers virtual nutrition appointments, and written nutrition, exercise, and wellness plans. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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