THE ROSY SIDE OF GREENS

Some of you might recall mealtimes back in the day when a grandmother or great-grandmother would tell you to eat the greens on your plate, so you would get ‘rosy cheeks’. These rosy cheeks were always associated with good health and pure blood. But our tussle with greens continues, despite the proven knowledge that they are essential for good health.

Green leafy vegetables are well-known for their exceptional nutrient content. They’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, that are believed to keep your heart, brain, and eyes healthy as you age.  And research has uncovered yet another reason to eat your greens, this time for gut health - sugar! It might come as a surprise to you, but the unnoticed (or unheard of) sugar in green vegetables, called ‘Sulfoquinovose’ or SQ, is vital for good gut bacteria to thrive. Besides, SQ is the only sugar that contains sulphur, a mineral vital for building proteins. Sulphur is an important part of the substances that support tissues in the body. These substances, such as glucosamine or chondroitin sulphates, are used to help joint and arthritis pain. Sulphur is also a component of various enzymes that help the body eliminate and deactivate many kinds of toxins.

An excellent reason why you need to add more green leafy vegetables to your diet is because, they lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, hip fracture, and certain cancers. They are also believed to guard against cataract, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.

Eating at least one serving per day (1 cup of salad greens or half a cup of cooked greens) has also been linked to better brain function and slower cognitive decline. 

Stir fry greens, or add them to soups or smoothies. They are good for you in just about any form. Crunchy fresh salads are a great way to get your rosy cheeks too!