5 reasons why greens should always be on your plate
Greens have become such a focal point for me for a decade or so, that I ensure it is factored throughout my day in multiple servings. Every time I plan a meal, greens will almost always make the cut! It could be lightly steamed or raw - like a salad or a pre-meal smoothie.
It can seem odd. I first realized it when we were out for dinner, at a south Indian restaurant. We were trying this place for the first time. The food was great, the serving size was perfect. Yet I had a hankering for a side salad (there was no salad on the menu!). It was no fault of the restaurant; I just needed a mental “check” for a nutrient dense item on my plate.
In my mind greens are the shape-shifter of the produce department. They take on so many roles on consumption, it is amazing. Here’s my top five reasons to ensure greens make it to the meal.
Cleansers: Greens are laden with the green pigment chlorophyll and dietary fibre that work to detoxify and cleanse the body through major organs like the liver and kidney. Chelation agents like Cilantro, parsley bind to heavy metals to be released from the system. Green seaweed like spirulina and chlorella are also noted free radical scavengers ridding the body of harmful toxins. Greens also have an alkalizing effect on the body that is a wonderful defence against pathogens.
Nourishers: Greens have a wide array of micronutrients like vitamin A, C, K, folate (B9), calcium, potassium and more. Thats a nutrient powerhouse right there. They are work their magic on all organs of the body, building immunity and strength. They are rich in antioxidants fuelling the body and keeping chronic diseases at bay.
Rejuvenators: Greens are high energy live food, healing to the body. They are great sources of tryptophan which helps build neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine- the feel-good hormones in the brain. Wow, is it any wonder that greens make me happy!
Gut Health Providers: The gut microbiota thrives on leafy greens. They feed on it to grow and proliferate mani fold. Gut health is primary to overall well-being (ever heard this line: all disease starts in the gut?). A healthy gut microbiome keeps inflammation on the down low. The best part is that it reflects in glowing skin. Love it! All the more reason to eat for the gut buddies.
Masqueraders: I call them masqueraders only because they belie the caloric load they offer. You could eat a a whole lot of greens and they can fill you up but they will not lead to weight gain as a result.
I am reminded about this girl I once read about. She was talking about her food journey and how she developed a whole new perspective towards greens. She mentioned going to the grocery store and seeing this heap of kale and she said “it made me salivate”. At the time I thought to myself “Wow, that is some reaction”. Now guess what, shopping for greens makes me just as happy!
Do you love your greens just as much? Let me know in the comments below.
Till next time, stay radiant!
