Meta Description: Leaf it up!
Leafy diets are diets that have a lot of leaves in them! Meaning, leafy diets are bunched up with a lot of leafy vegetables such as spinach, mustard, and chard. They are considered superfoods that are low in calories and high in fiber, and they bear with them a myriad of health benefits. You would’ve heard about all this from a lot of other sources, but have you ever wondered why it is widely considered as the stepping stone to a healthier lifestyle?
Listed below are six of the many health benefits of a leafy diet which you should know about:
Lowers your cholesterol levels
Mustard greens and cabbage are known to be the best to serve this purpose. The fibers in them bind with the excess cholesterol present in bile acids to excrete it through waste, thus preventing the cholesterol from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
Maintain good vision
Leafy diets are high in the carotenoids – lutein and zeaxanthin. They effectively filter harmful high-energy light, reduce glare-related discomfort, lower the risk of cataracts, and improve vision.
Energizing of your body
Pantothenic acid, also called vitamin B5, is abundant in leafy greens. It aids in the conversion of carbohydrates in food to glucose, which the body can use up for energy. They are water soluble, and are flushed out of the body. So, it is important that you consume your daily dose of vitamin B5.
Improve the health of your bones
The reason why many leafy greens taste bitter is because they are rich in calcium. Calcium is best for bones, and dark leafy greens are known to possess plenty of it. They also contain vitamin K which is essential for blood clotting and also lowers the risk of osteoporosis.
Promotes skin health
Every leafy green vegetable contains a component called beta-carotene, which gives them their colors. Due to the antioxidant properties, it may contribute to skin health and maintenance, and prevent from any damages.
Consuming greens, regularly, can be beneficial to one’s health and may even help to prevent certain diseases. But they can interact with certain medications, and too much of them can cause side effects. Antinutrients in some greens prevent nutrients from being absorbed. However, this can usually be avoided by properly cooking the vegetables.