It’s estimated that over 40% of adults in the Western world have vitamin and mineral deficiencies, especially vitamins A, C, D, E, K and calcium and magnesium. This deficiency can lead to various illnesses and a general feeling of malaise. It can easily be rectified by eating a selection of greens every day.
- Fibre and a Healthy Digestive System
Greens are packed with fibre which helps us to: -
- Maintain a healthy digestive system
- Avoid diseases of the bowel and colon
- Manage our weight
- Improve blood sugar levels
- Grow good gut bacteria
- Cardiovascular Health
Eating a variety of greens has a positive effect on heart health: -
- Regulates the production of erythropoietin, a hormone that increases the viscosity of the blood
- This, in turn, reduces the risk of blood clots, strokes and heart attacks
- Regulates cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- They assist our internal blood pressure regulator – nitric oxide
- They convert high homocysteine into harmless amino acids
- Eye Health
Our grandmothers told us that carrots were to go-to veg for eye health, now we must add greens to the list.
- Contain lutein which is essential for eye health
- Contain zeaxanthin – again an important carotenoid for healthy eyes
- Lutein and zeaxanthin help with detailed vision and blue light absorption
- Help prevent macular degeneration
- Help prevent cataracts
- The nitrates in greens convert to nitric oxide which improves blood flow to the eyes
- Healthy Skin
The high content of vitamins and minerals in greens helps our skin in the following ways: -
- Vitamin A helps with acne, flushes out toxins and strengthens the skin
- Vitamin E protects against free radical damage
- Folate helps to make and repair cells
- Beta carotene protects against sun damage and is an antioxidant
- Chlorophyll protects against free radical damage
- Lutein protects against sun damage, increases elasticity and hydration
- Vitamin C enables our bodies to produce collagen