Consuming dark, leafy greens is the #1 way to quickly improve your physical and emotional health. They are among one the foods most missing in our Standard American Diet (SAD) and it’s recommended that you consume at least one serving each day.
The color green is associated spring, the time of renewal and vital energy. When greens grow, they do so with their leaves upstretched towards the sun. When we eat our greens, they leave us feeling the same way. Uplifted and energized.
As you begin to nourish yourself with this highly beneficial food group, you’ll naturally begin to crowd out foods that leave you feeling less than your best or even sick. Greens help build your internal rainforest, detoxifying and strengthening the blood and respiratory systems. They help to reduce cravings for sweets.
Nutritionally, greens are very high in calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous, zinc and vitamins A, C, E and K. They’re filled with fiber, folic acid, chlorophyll and many other micronutrients and phytochemicals.
Whenever possible, choose organic. However, eating non-organic greens is much better than not eating any greens at all!
Specific benefits of consuming dark leafy greens include:
- Blood purification
- Cancer prevention
- Improved circulation
- Strengthened the immune system
- Promotion of healthy intestinal flora
- Lifted spirit and elimination of depression
- Improved liver, gall bladder and kidney function
- Cleared congestion, especially in the lungs by reducing mucus
Some of the most popular dark green, leafy vegetables include; Swiss chard, spinach, romaine lettuce, kale, spinach, collard greens, mustard greens, arugula, dandelion, watercress, cabbage, and red or green leafy lettuces.
Farmer’s Market is an excellent place to find a wide array of greens to choose from.
Preparing Greens
Try a variety of cooking methods such as; juicing, blending, steaming, boiling, sautéing in oil or water. Add them to soups, casseroles, smoothies and salads.
Developing the habit of preparing and eating greens is absolutely essential to creating radiant health and lasting vitality. If you’d like to get started right away, consider joining my Eat Whole, Live Happy: 14 Day Gentle Spring Cleanse.
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