Greens. The sexiest of all food groups! Chlorophyll is one of nature's greatest healers. If you want glowing health and beautiful skin, choose greens: arugula, collards, parsley, kale, chard, watercress, nettles, dandelion, spinach, sprouts -- any green, any time! So much research has been done on the benefits of greens. Greens help us digest other foods by stimulating the secretion of digestive enzymes. They are an excellent source of amino acids -- in fact; greens are the primary food group that match human nutritional needs most completely! Why aren't you eating them??
"Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon." ~ Doug Larson
Why is it so hard to love greens?? Take a look at what has been found when greens are put to the test:
Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health found that individuals who eat leafy greens had a 23% reduction in coronary heart disease.
Scientists found that a diet rich in leafy green vegetables actually showed a significant reduction in the chance of developing colon cancer.
Research shows that folate, one of the impressive B Vitamins in greens, may protect against cognitive decline in older adults.
Studies found that caratenoids (powerful antioxidants) in green leafy vegetables can inhibit the growth of certain types of breast cancer cells, skin cancer cells, lung cancer and stomach cancer.
Another study showed that women who ate the most leafy greens had half the risk of ovarian cancer compared to those who ate the least. Half!! What are you waiting for??
The darker the green, the more nutrients they hold. Choose those that are lusciously deep in color, like kale and collards, and mix them with a variety of shades, textures and tastes for the perfect balance of vitamins and minerals.
Have you ever dared to eat raw collard greens?? Dinosaurs must have been gnawing on collard greens because they date back all the way to prehistoric times. They're one of the oldest members of the cabbage family and a close cousin of another one of my favorite greens, the super sexy Kale. The vitamin K, A, C and magnesium levels in collards are off the charts and their folate, calcium and dietary fiber content is impressive, too. Try this easy recipe:
Collard Green Wrap
Cut the stems off of 1 or 2 collard green leaves. Cover with a layer of hummus. Add filling, such as grated carrot, sliced zucchini, sprouts, avocado, tomato, quinoa or anything you like or have on hand. Fold over the bottom and roll up like a burrito. Easy, healthy, portable and a cinch to make! You can try other greens, too, like big chard leaves or crunchy cabbage leaves.
Super Sexy Smoothie
1 cup pineapple, fresh or frozen 1 ripe banana, fresh or frozen1 fresh, juicy mango or 1 cup frozen7 leaves of dinosaur kale (stems removed)2 cups water
Blend until creamy. Use more or less water to get your desired thickness.The super sexy kale is considered to be a nutritional super star among green veggies, with very strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Leafy Greens Rock!!
Get green and get your sexy back!! Try to include at least one good green salad into your diet every day -- two if you can. Add greens to your smoothies! Juice greens! Gently steam or lightly sauté your greens just until they wilt and turn a brilliant emerald! There are so many varieties of sexy greens at your local Farmer’s Market. Have fun and try a new green every week. Fuel your glow with greens!
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