Why greens are important

You know greens are good for you, but are you familiar with the many benefits?  Leafy greens consist of kale, collards, swiss chard, spinach, dandelion greens, parsley, cilantro and so many more.  They are usually included in the vegetable category, but really should have a category all by themselves because they far surpass any vegetable in nutrient content.  Here are just a few beneficial nutrients: fiber, chlorophyll, Omega 3's, amino acids and over 22 vitamins and minerals. 

Unfortunately, most people do not eat any greens.  Many people weren't raised eating them, and don't like the bitter taste.  But once they learn the health value they add them to their diet.  You do get used to the taste!  Let's talk about some of the nutrients: 

• Alkalinity - greens help our body become more alkaline because of the high vitamin and mineral content.  They add to our "nutritional bank"
• Fiber - helps slow the release of sugars in our body which steadies our insulin release avoiding highs and lows, helps with elimination, binds with toxins and cholesterol helping to reduce accumulation in our body. 
• Chlorophyll - this is the plant's energy from the sun, it helps to oxygenate and regenerate the cells in our body and it is very similar to the Heme molecule in our blood. 
• Amino acids -proteins are made up of long chains of amino acids.  Leafy greens contain the already broken down amino acids that are effortlessly digested and readily absorbed.  BUT, you need to eat enough of them to balance all the essential amino acids. 
  
• Omega 3 fats - these are essential fats that most of us don't get enough of or have an imbalance of.  They help to keep our blood thin, help our brains develop and our heart to beat properly.  They also decrease inflammation. 
  
• Enzymes - because they are a living food, they contain enzymes.  They also help to stimulate the secretion of our digestive enzymes helping to digest food eaten with them. 
  

Since we are not accustomed to eating leafy greens, how do we get them in our diets without gagging?  One way is to make green smoothies.  By blending the greens you are opening up the cell walls releasing all those nutrients and if you add fruit to these smoothies it makes the greens more palatable.  Adding green smoothies to your daily menu will also help reduce cravings because you are giving your body much needed nutrients.