5 Surprising Benefits of Eating Leafy Greens

, and include sources to support claims.

Leafy greens are often thought of as a garnish or side dish, but they should actually be a central part of your diet. Here are five surprising benefits of eating leafy greens that you may not have considered before.

1. They’re a great source of fiber.
Leafy greens are packed with fiber, which is great for your digestive health. Eating enough fiber can help prevent constipation, maintain healthy bowel movements, and even reduce your risk of colon cancer. It’s recommended that adults eat between 25 and 35 grams of fiber per day, and leafy greens can help you reach that goal.

2. They’re low in calories.
If you’re trying to lose weight, leafy greens are a great food to add to your diet. They’re low in calories but high in nutrients, making them a great choice for anyone looking to feel full and satisfied without consuming too many calories. In fact, many people eat their leafy greens raw in salads, as they’re an excellent way to add bulk to your meal without adding a lot of calories.

3. They’re packed with vitamins and minerals.
Leafy greens are some of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. They’re loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron. These nutrients are essential for good health, and adding leafy greens to your diet is an easy and delicious way to get more of them.

4. They can help improve brain function.
Studies have shown that eating leafy greens can help improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. This is likely due to the high levels of vitamin K and other antioxidants found in leafy greens, which have been shown to improve blood flow to the brain and protect against oxidative stress.

5. They may reduce your risk of chronic disease.
Eating a diet that’s rich in leafy greens has been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. This is likely due to the many nutrients found in leafy greens, as well as their high fiber content. If you’re looking for an easy way to improve your overall health and reduce your risk of chronic disease, adding more leafy greens to your diet is a great place to start.

In conclusion, there are many surprising benefits of eating leafy greens. They’re a great source of fiber, low in calories, packed with vitamins and minerals, can help improve brain function, and may reduce your risk of chronic disease. So the next time you’re planning a meal, don’t forget to incorporate some leafy greens into your menu. Your body will thank you!

Sources:
– “Leafy Greens,” Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/vegetables-and-fruits/leafy-greens/
– “Dietary Fiber,” Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/fiber/art-20043983
– “Vitamins and Minerals,” MedlinePlus, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002399.htm
– “Nutritional and Therapeutic Potential of Leafy Vegetables,” International Journal of Food Science, https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijfs/2017/7197594/