The single most important food missing in modern diets: dark leafy greens. A powerful superfood, these greens are an excellent source of phytochemicals, which aid in fighting heart disease and cancer, and naturally crowd out the foods that make you sick while simultaneously strengthening your blood and respiratory system.
Nutritionally, greens are very high in calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous, zinc and vitamins A, C, E and K. They are crammed with fiber, folic acid, chlorophyll and many other micronutrients. Just a few of the benefits of eating dark leafy greens are:
Blood purification
Cancer prevention
Improved circulation
Strengthened immune system
Promotion of healthy intestinal flora
Lifted spirit and elimination of depression
Improved liver, gall bladder and kidney function
TIPS FOR COOKING LEAFY GREENS
Try a variety of methods like steaming, boiling, sautéing in oil, water sautéing, waterless cooking or lightly pickling, as in a pressed salad. Boiling makes greens plump and relaxed. Boil for under a minute so that the nutrients in the greens do not get lost in the water. You can also drink the cooking water as a health-giving broth or tea if you’re using organic greens. Steaming makes greens more fibrous and tight, which is great for people who are trying to lose weight. Raw salad is also a wonderful preparation for greens. It’s refreshing, cooling and supplies live enzymes.
There are so many greens to choose from. Find greens that you love and eat them often. When you get bored with your favorites, be adventurous and try greens that you’ve never heard of before. Broccoli is very popular among adults and children. Each stem is like a tree trunk, giving you strong, grounding energy. Rotate between bok choy, napa cabbage, kale, collards, watercress, mustard greens, broccoli rabe, dandelion and other leafy greens. Green cabbage is great cooked or raw, or in the form of sauerkraut. Arugula, endive, chicory, lettuce, mesclun and wild greens are generally eaten raw, but can be consumed in any creative way you enjoy.
Whenever possible, choose organic. But eating non-organic greens is much better than not eating any greens at all! Get into the habit of adding these dark, leafy green vegetables to your daily diet. Try it out for a month and see how you feel.
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