‘Going green’ is a noble goal, and many of us have ramped up our efforts to recycle, reuse and choose sustainable products to help the environment. If you’re making changes – good for you! But have you considered super greening your routine? Shifting focus to health, ‘going green’ means eating more plant foods like leafy greens, broccoli, peppers, zucchini and a rainbow of produce (colorful berries, melons and stone fruit).
As you’re likely aware, fresh fruits and vegetables should be a core component of our diets. Within the fruits and veggies category, there are good-for-you options, and there are even-better-for you options. Leafy greens (like kale and chard), for example, are well known for supplying important nutrients such as vitamins A, C, E, K and folate. Plus, they’re chock-full of fiber.
But some fruits, veggies and other plant foods also fall into the superfoods category. These nutritional superstars provide not only essential nutrients but noteworthy levels of antioxidant plant compounds that help protect our health. Supergreens such as algae (spirulina and chlorella) and cereal greases such as wheatgrass, alfalfa and more, are excellent additions to a healthful diet. Let’s take a closer look at why.
The benefits of supergreens
Vitamins galore
Supergreens are loaded with essential vitamins. Among them are vitamin A (beta carotene), vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin K. Vitamin A supports vision and healthy growth and development. B vitamins help regulate the nervous system, balance mood and provide energy. Vitamins C and E are powerful antioxidant nutrients, helping protect healthy cells from free radical damage. And vitamin K is important for blood and bone health. Together, these nutrients ensure all of the body’s systems function properly and optimally – and supergreens are undeniably a great way to get them!
Mega minerals
Supergreens deliver plentiful amounts of essential minerals, including calcium, iron, phosphorus, copper and potassium. Calcium is stored in bones and teeth and plays a role in the health of muscles, the nervous system, and hormone and enzyme function. Iron helps carry oxygen to our cells and is important for production of hemoglobin. Phosphorous and potassium also contribute to bone, muscle and nerve health.
Antioxidant power
One of the biggest perks of supergreens is their antioxidant content. Antioxidants are compounds (often found in plant foods) that work to protect healthy cells from free radical damage, thereby promoting many crucial areas of health – immune, cardiovascular and more. A diet rich in antioxidants is key to maintaining health and potentially preventing disease.
Other nutritional support
Besides vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, supergreens provide dietary fiber, protein and omega-3 essential fatty acids – all of which are important for maintaining overall health, including digestive health, brain health, mood and more.
How to get more supergreens in your diet
While we all strive to eat a healthful diet, getting greens isn’t always easy. Consider the following ideas to incorporate more of these nutritious and delicious foods into your day:
Blend up a green smoothie.
Berries and bananas are popular in smoothies, but next time you’re blending up breakfast, throw in a handful of leafy greens. Combined with other naturally sweet ingredients, you won’t be able to taste them!
Add greens to everything.
Sky’s the limit here! No need to eat bowl after bowl of salad to enjoy the benefits of leafy greens. Having pizza for dinner? Try topping slices with vinaigrette-tossed arugula instead of pepperoni and sausage. Making a breakfast scramble? Stir in some massaged kale leaves. You might even try a greens dessert like these Sweet Spinach and Banana Muffins.
Try a supergreens supplement.
Zahler Core Greens is an advanced plant-based superfood supplement that supplies five phytonutrient and superfood complexes in an easy-to-take powder or capsule form. It’s non-GMO, dairy free, kosher and loaded with supergreen nutrition to help you be your most vibrant and healthy you!
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