Many people are trying to diet and stay healthy during these difficult times. In doing so, they’ve turned primarily to green foods. Green foods are packed with vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants which reduce inflammation help the body function in a balance and healthy way. Here are the ten best green foods to eat if you want to try a healthy diet and promote longevity.
Fresh Green Herbs
Green herbs, such as dill, parsley, and basil, may be small, but they’re great for the body. These herbs will both give your meals and boost by adding flavor and help your body function because of the many vitamins found within them. Again, they’re small, but impactful because of the antioxidants they offer. If you want to start smaller, there’s no reason not to start with herbs such as dill, parsley, basil.
Asparagus
Often called the “green spear of the spring,” asparagus is packed full of nutrients and fiber to help keep your body regular and functioning throughout the early months of the year. The stock is actually where most of the nutrients lies, so don’t neglect it when you cook up this great vegetable! Asparagus is also packed full of vitamin K and vitamin C, which help the body in a variety of ways. Bake or steam your asparagus for a great taste a healthy meal every time.
Avocados
Avocados have been discovered to be somewhat of a super food in the last several years, which is why younger generations can’t get enough of them. They’re creamy and delicious and may help improve your eyesight, thanks to abundance of vitamin E within these great vegetables. They also lower cholesterol, which in turn lowers your risk of heart disease and chances of other serious conditions like heart attack and stroke.
Kale
Along with avocado, kale has been adopted by younger generations because of its amazing and highly nutritious food profile. Kale can help your body in a variety of ways, and recent research has suggested that it may even help resist and prevent cancer when eaten in the right doses. Kale is also packed with fiber, as only one cup will provide almost four percent of your daily need, an astoundingly high number. Finally, kale is rich in vitamin K, which helps to prevent blood clotting and keeps your bones strong and healthy.
Brussels Sprouts
Although many don’t like the taste of Brussels Sprouts, these little vegetables are packed to the gills with nutrients and vitamins. In addition, they have an astounding amount of Potassium within them, which is great for supporting a healthy blood pressure. Eating daily doses of Brussels Sprouts can help keep your blood pressure down and may help prevent risk of heart attack and stroke. They’re also loaded with fiber, which keeps your body regular and functioning.
Kiwi
Most foods on this list are packed with vitamins and minerals, but kiwis are truly unique. In addition to being incredibly nutritious and great for the body in general, kiwi contain a great amount of serotonin, a hormone which aids healthy sleep, in addition to other fantastic properties. Serotonin is largely responsible for keeping depression at bay in many previously depressed individuals. Kiwis can help you fall asleep faster and more regularly, in addition to keeping your sleep deep and restful during the night.
Edamame
These great little beans taste delicious and pair well with a number of meals. Nutritionally, they’re great for helping to lower unhealthy cholesterol while boosting the good type of cholesterol. This happens because there’s a variety and high number of proteins within edamame. They’re also lower in saturated fat which is good for balancing gut bacteria and lowering LDL cholesterol. All in all, edamame is actually one of the healthiest foods we know of today.
Broccoli
Another popular vegetable, most people don’t realize just how much vitamin C is packed tightly into broccoli. In fact, a single cup of broccoli gives you a full daily serving of vitamin C. Similar to chia seeds, broccoli is extremely high in fiber and will keep your body regular and balanced. Broccoli is usually steamed but baking it in the oven or cooking it in a pan for just a few minutes will keep it delicious while preserving the nutrients found within.
Cucumber
One of the most refreshing vegetables, cucumbers are often associated with the summer, providing energy throughout your day. You can have cucumbers as a snack or with a meal, and they’re always great to put into a salad whenever you can. Cucumbers are actually great for hydrating the body, containing almost as much water as watermelon. So, if you have trouble drinking throughout the day and staying hydrated, munch on a few cucumbers to alleviate the problems associated with lack of hydration.
Spinach
Everyone is obsessed with kale nowadays (although with good reason) but spinach is also a great “power green” to eat when you want a plethora of vitamins and minerals. The leafy green is chock full of vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin K, in addition to several minerals such as niacin and zinc.
Additionally, spinach has a healthy portion of protein, fiber, calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium as well. Spinach is greatly overlooked but it just may well be one of the healthiest foods on the planet. Don’t sleep on this healthy and delicious vegetable. Serve yourself up some spinach today!
Final Thoughts
Most people are trying to eat healthier but don’t realize how to do so. One of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your diet is to start munching on some great tasting and incredibly healthy green foods. These are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber to keep your body balanced and functioning at its peak level every day.