The Three Healthiest Green, Leafy Vegetables
Your mom may have told you to eat your green leafy vegetables, and for good reason. Those greens you hated as a child may now be your key to preventing the chronic diseases associated with aging. While all green, leafy vegetables have health value, there a few that stand out from the pack when it comes to health benefits. What are the healthiest green, leafy vegetables?
Healthiest green, leafy vegetables: Watercress
When it comes to cancer prevention, this underappreciated vegetable stands apart from the crowd. It's chock full of antioxidants that help to protect DNA from damage that can lead to cancer. In fact, a study showed that eating a bowl of watercress each day significantly reduced the amount of DNA damage sustained by blood cells in a group of test subjects. Watercress is a source of a unique phytochemical known as nasturtin which is converted into an isothiocyanate known as PEITC. PEITC has been shown in studies to block the growth of certain types of cancer. Watercress is also high in carotenoids which help to reduce the risk of macular degeneration, one of the most common causes of adult blindness. Plus, it's a good source of vitamins C, E, and folate.
Healthiest green, leafy vegetables: Kale
This green, leafy vegetable is in the same vegetable family as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. These nutrient superstars have been repeatedly shown to have powerful antioxidant capabilities as well as offer protection against certain types of cancer. Like broccoli and cabbage, kale has the ability to activate enzymes in the liver which detoxify cancer causing substances, reducing their ability to damage cells. It's also an excellent source of vitamins K, A, and C as well as the carotenoids that are important for good vision and the prevention of cataracts.
Healthiest green, leafy vegetables: Dandelion greens
You may be wary of eating a vegetable that grows naturally on your front lawn, but dandelion greens pack real nutritional power. They're rich in vitamin A and folate, and are an excellent source of iron, potassium, and calcium. Would you believe they have more vitamin A than carrots or cantaloupe? They also win extra points for being so readily available. All it takes is a little foraging to find a ready source of these nutritious greens. Always be sure you're get them from chemical free areas that haven't been sprayed with pesticides and wash them well. Otherwise, buy them at your local supermarket.
The next time you're at your local supermarket; don't forget to pick up these green, leafy vegetables and start enjoying their many health benefits.
Learn more about other Superfoods.