As we all know greens are good and nutritious for us, but have you ever thought why we eat greens? There are a million reasons why we should eat more greens. Green foods are full of nutrients and are an extremely important part of our diet.
They are the healthiest choices one can make and they can easily be included to our meals. The vegetable group is divided into five sub-categories including dark green, red and orange, starchy and other vegetables. Most are high in fiber, beta carotene, vitamin C, folate, calcium and iron. The green vegetable diet is a popular source for many vegetarians, they are available in every food store.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a relative of cabbage and cauliflower family. It is a healthy green vegetable but do you know it is a cancer fighter because of its sulfur compounds such as sulforaphane, which creates smell as broccoli cooks. These enzymes detoxify cancer-causing compounds. Eating more broccoli can minimize the risk of breast and lung cancer to stomach and colon cancer.
Breast cancer survivors who consumed high levels of vegetables such as broccoli had a significantly reduced level of disease recurrence. It is rich in phytochemicals, fiber, folate, minerals and vitamins, especially vitamins C, K and A.
Bell pepper
Bell peppers are also called sweet peppers or capsicums. They are eaten either as raw or cooked. They are low in calories and rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants making them an excellent addition to a healthy diet .They come in various colors, such as green, red, yellow, and orange. They are very high in vitamin C. Other vitamins and minerals found in bell peppers include vitamin K1, vitamin E, vitamin A, folate and potassium. Adding bell peppers to your diet may be an excellent way to lower the risk of visual disorder.
Spinach
Spinach is a leafy green nutrient rich vegetable. It is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants and considered to be very healthy. Eating spinach may benefit eye health, reduce oxidative stress, help prevent cancer and reduce blood pressure levels.
Spinach is low in carbohydrates but high in insoluble fiber. This type of fiber is beneficial for digestion. It contains high amounts of carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid, iron and calcium. It also contains several other vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, magnesium, and vitamins B6, B9 and E and it also contains many plant compounds that can improve health.
Okra
One of the most nutritious vegetables Okra is also known as lady’s finger. They are very low calorie vegetables. They are rich sources of dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins. They also help in digestion and ease constipation condition.
They contain healthy amounts of vitamin-A and flavonoid. Vitamin-A is essential for maintaining healthy mucosa and skin. Consumption of natural vegetables that is rich in flavonoids helps protect from lung and oral cavity cancers. They are rich in the B-complex group of vitamins like niacin, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), thiamin and pantothenic acid.
Bitter gourd
Bitter gourd is also known as bitter melon which is extremely bitter. It is blanched or soaked in salt water to reduce the bitterness then stir-fried or stuffed. It is effective in lowering blood glucose levels and makes an excellent remedy for diabetes. The insulin-like peptides and alkaloids combine to lower blood and urine sugar levels without increasing blood insulin levels.
The blood purifying properties of bitter gourd is an ideal treatment for blood disorders. It contains cellulose that acts as a digestive agent. This vegetable is a known remedy for curing various skin diseases and skin infections such as eczema. It also helps to avoid the skin from developing blemishes and improves the glow and texture of the skin.
Cucumber
Cucumber is an amazing low calorie food that is full of nutrients in the form of water and electrolytes. It contains high amount of vitamin K which is necessary for increasing bone mass and promoting osteotropic activity in the joints. Cucumber juice contains high amounts of potassium, magnesium and some traces of sodium. These compounds regulate the levels of blood pressure.
Thus, it makes an excellent remedy in treating both low and high blood pressure. It provides soothing effects to gastric ulcers. It also contains silicon and sulphur that is highly effective in stimulating healthy hair growth. Combine equal portions of cucumber juice with the juices of carrot, lettuce or spinach and consume.
Zucchini
Zucchini is actually a fruit that is consumed as a vegetable. It is a nutrient rich food and is good for our health because it offers vitamins and minerals with very few calories. It is available in yellow and green color. It has a tender texture with a slightly sweet flavor.
Consuming zucchini will help you lose weight. It is extremely low in calories. Apart from the low-calorie count it has high water content and is rich in fiber. It is a good source of manganese, vitamin C , vitamin A, folate, potassium, copper, phosphorus and dietary fiber.
