Benefits of Leafy Greens
If vegetables are the scarcest food in the American diet, leafy green vegetables are lacking most of all. Learning to cook and eat greens is essential for creating lasting health. Greens help build our internal rainforest and strengthen our circulatory and respiratory systems. The color green is associated with spring, a time of renewal, refreshment and vital energy. In Asian medicine, green is related to the liver, emotional stability and creativity. Nutritionally, greens are high in calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous, zinc, and vitamins A, C, E and K. They are crammed with fiber, folic acid, chlorophyll and many other micronutrients and phytochemicals.
Some of the benefits gained from eating dark leafy greens are:
• blood purification
• cancer prevention
• improved circulation
• immune strengthening
• subtle, light and flexible energy
• lifted spirit, elimination of depression
• promotion of healthy intestinal flora
• improved liver, gall bladder and kidney function
• clearing of congestion, especially in lungs, and reduction of mucus
You can choose from a variety of greens. Broccoli is very popular among adults and children. Be adventurous and try greens you’ve never seen before like: bok choy, napa cabbage, kale, collards, watercress, mustard greens, broccoli rabe, dandelion and other leafy greens. Arugula, endive, chicory, lettuce, mesclun and wild greens are generally eaten raw. Spinach, Swiss chard and beet greens are best eaten in moderation because they are high in oxalic acid, which depletes calcium from your bones and teeth.
A big YES to Green Leafy Vegetables( GREENS ). And did you know that there is actually a diet which champions GREENS and a “brilliant Einstein type mind” of Dr Joel Fuhrman, MD formulated a Health Equation which shows that GREENS have the most nutrients and the least calories of all the food groups?
Nutritional Healing Potential = Nutrients/Calories
Yes, GREENS are the “Superfood” we all have been looking for. No need to count calories; just make sure you eat two lbs of GREENS every day.
Here is the basic Dr Joel Fuhrman’s “Eat To Live” Approach that we have been on for eight years and love it. It’s for those who want to get maximum nutrition from wholesome foods rather that supplements, and never have to worry about weight swings again!
1) Two lbs of Green Leafy Vegetables per day. Half cooked, half raw.
2) A large variety of other vegetables
3) A large variety of fruits, especially Blueberries and other berries.
4) Some legumes( beans, lentils, peas, dhal ), nuts and seeds.
5) Especially, walnuts and flax seeds for the “essential healthy omega-3 oils”
Like I said, weight is no longer a problem even though we do not adhere to this excellent diet 100% due to various circumstances. Whenever we get out of kilter, we just focus on GREENS more.
Another good idea is either to eat GREENS ONLY or GREEN FRUIT SMOOTHIES ONLY for a few or several days to cleanse and balance the body. But, if you do stick to two lbs (more or less) of GREENS per day, know that there is a gentle yet deep cleansing going on continuously.
God bless Joel Fuhrman and everyone who points us in the direction of GREENS.
See http://www.drfuhrman.com http://www.diseaseproof.com http://www.eatsprouts.com/blend/green.html
Thanks for listening,
Anatol