We know that eating leafy greens is an excellent way to get lots of vitamins and minerals on board. But do you know which greens are best for you? This post from Genevieve explores the top nine leafy greens and why they are so beneficial. She also reveals the biggest leafy green dud. Read on to find out more!
“Leafy greens are one of the most concentrated sources of nutritions on the planet. They’re rich in minerals like calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium; Vitamins like B, C, E, and K. They also full of phytonutrients like beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin and antioxidants.
Some say that our ancient ancestors ate up to six pounds of leaves per day as they walked and foraged for food. In our modern lifestyle, we’re lucky to get 3 cups of lettuce in.
With that said, not all greens are created equal. Here are the top 9 from least to most nutritious (plus 1 to probably avoid):
#9. Romaine Lettuce
One of my favorite leafy greens, a serving of romaine lettuce contains around 7 grams of protein. It also has 44% of our RDA of omega 3 fatty acids. Romaine is high in calcium, vitamin C, and a good source of iron and B vitamins. Delightfully crunchy and refreshing, romaine lettuce is wonderful for salads of all kinds. It is also a great base for green smoothies or juices.
#8. Swiss chard
Coming in colors like red, green and rainbow, swiss chard is a popular leafy green. And for good reason. It’s a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin, which help maintain eye health and may reduce the risk of cataracts. Swiss chard is high oxalates, which can be problematic for those with a history of kidney stones, vulva pain or other oxalate issues. Cooking can reduce some of the oxalates so try steaming it lightly with a splash of olive oil and apple cider vinegar.”
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