March 27, 2019
Popeye was onto something about spinach. Green foods are nutrient dense super houses. Consuming greens every day can improve your overall health in many ways.
Greens are a great source of fibre, antioxidants, low in calories, high in cancer-fighting phytonutrients, very low in carbohydrates, regulate insulin levels and have a detoxifying effect on the system. Getting greens every day as part of a whole foods diet will have your gut in great shape, clear toxins to improve your metabolism for weight loss and promote clear radiant skin.
5 Green Foods You Should Eat Every Day
Cruciferous Greens
Cruciferous veggies are amazing. They have cancer-fighting compounds, reduce inflammation, heart healthy, help with weight loss, regulate blood sugar and interestingly can help to balance estrogen levels.
My top cruciferous veggies are broccoli, broccoli sprouts, Brussel sprouts, cabbage and leafy greens such as kale, mustard greens, swiss chard, and collard greens.
I love munching on broccoli with some home-made hummus. Great plant-based snack!
Sprouts
I volunteered in Zambia for two weeks once and although we were eating pretty well I wasn’t getting all the greens I was used to. When I came back I started sprouting seeds and soon after felt my body being boosted – think Hulk. Since then I have included sprouts in my diet daily with unwavering faith.
Sprouts are nutritional powerhouses. The process of sprouting enhances the nutritional profile of sprouts 10 fold. It floods the little plant with nutrients to get it’s grow on! Sprouting also reduces the antinutrient content of some seeds and beans. Here is a great how-to sprout guide to sprouts at home. It’s so easy and inexpensive for a great health-boosting food.
Green Beans
Green beans are a great source of fibre, vitamins, and minerals. To reduce antinutrient content, steam them and consume in moderation as part of a healthy whole foods diet.
Green Algae
Chlorella and spirulina. Two freshwater algae making waves. They are incredibly nutrient dense proving great sources of multiple nutrients and detoxing effects.
Chlorella contains the highest amount of chlorophyll in a single source. Chlorella is a fantastic source of vitamins and minerals. It’s also great at detoxifying accumulated heavy metals in the body.
Spirulina, on the other hand, is one of the most nutrient dense foods out there. Its a fantastic source of beta-carotene, better than that of carrots. Its a great source of protein with all essential amino acids, great for plant-based eaters. Spirulina is also a great source of fatty acids.
Combining these two powerhouse foods together in a smoothie is a great way to support health and longevity.
I highly recommend buying spirulina and chlorella organic certified. If these algae are grown in contaminated waters, it can cause more damage than good. Be safe and buy good quality to receive the benefits. My favourites are Organic Spirulina Powder: 4 Organic Certifications and Organic Chlorella Capsules 100% Vegetarian
Green Juices
I can’t promote being green without including green juices. A daily green juice can provide extra nutrients, antioxidants, support metabolic processes, and aid detoxification and also simply make you feel great. No one felt bad after drinking green juice. No one.
Green juices are versatile. You can use a Nutribullet and have one with all the fibre. Or you can shake it up and have a pure juice with some good quality water for a nutrient punch. Balancing your diet with both varieties is good. A healthy diet and life is all about balance.
I love green juice. My favourite recipe is kale/spinach, an apple, cucumber and a lemon or two. Super simple. Green juice variations are endless though. You can add all sorts of things you like. Sometimes I throw in a carrot or two for some added beta-carotene or throw in some mint for super freshness. It’s all up to you.
Note on adding fruit: Fruit is great for you but still has quite a lot of sugar. Juicing that leaves the pulp out means that you are drinking the nutrients (and sugar) directly. Adding too much fruit can spike your blood sugar unfavourably. Keep high fruit juices for when you keep the pulp and focus on veggies for when you take the pulp out.
Introduce a few of these into your daily or weekly routine and feel the power.
