The Importance of Dark Green Leafy Vegetables

There's no surprise that dark green vegetables are a great source of nutrients. Specifically, Vitamin E, K, lutein, beta carotene, and folate.

Looking at that list you may not see many choices that you enjoy or include in your diet very often. That is something you might want to change after reading this!

Did you know that these misunderstood vegetables are now being linked with slower cognitive decline? A recent study showed there was a strong correlation of reduced cognitive decline in individuals who consumed 1.3 servings of dark green leafy vegetables each day as compared to those who didn’t. 

How do you incorporate more dark greens into your diet? 

Good spices and flavoring to add to greens are: garlic, capers, ginger, chili flakes, red or white wine, sesame seeds or lemon.

Stir-Fry’s: using kale or slaw mixes like broccoli slow, rainbow slaw, or cabbage mixtures will help soften the vegetables. The key is to sauté the vegetables until caramelized and then add seasonings or low carb sauces.

Salads: making salads with the coleslaw mixtures or microgreens is a great addition for crunch and flavor. Just make sure you wash them first and top with dressing afterwards.

FUN FACT: Dark leafy greens contain chemicals that discourage animals from eating them. Those chemicals are also responsible for the bitter taste when eaten raw.