When you google ‘healthy leafy greens‘, you get scores of results listing out the top healthy vegetables that you must eat to stay healthy. Now if you’re health conscious, you might even note down the names (starting with Kale, broccoli, iceberg lettuce, baby spinach, and so on), and hunt them down from your local bazaar. But….most of these are them westerners! Why would you want to go for westerners when you have your own desi ones right here? Where? In your kitchen!
If you didn’t already know – leafy greens are an unavoidable part of Indian meals, and most of our authentic dishes contain high fiber vegetables in them. Leafy greens are a must add-on to your diet as the benefits of a leafy diet are innumerable. Listed below are a bunch of those desi greens, and their benefits, that you should know about, and make a part of your dietary plans:
-
Cabbage – Bandh Gobi
- Low in calories, and high in nutrients.
- Cabbage soup is the main meal when somebody says they are on a “cabbage diet”.
- The present nutrients and minerals are known to prevent cancer.
- Keeps cholesterol under check.
- Improves immunity and bone health.
-
Spinach – Palak
- Contains iron, vitamin A, B, C, and K
- Rich source of dietary fibres, magnesium, and copper.
- Strengthens your bones, and rejuvenates the tissues.
- Is known to prevent certain neurological issues, and other bacterial and viral infections.
- Improves eyesight, and skin and hair quality.
- Aids in regeneration of sperm.
-
Fenugreek – Methi
- Rich in dietary fibers, and amino acids
- Lowers cholesterol, and improves heart health.
- Regulates blood sugar level, and also helps keep the appetite in control.
- Encourages milk production in young mothers.
- Relieves acidity, and is an excellent natural remedy for detoxification.
- Raises testosterone levels in men.
-
Turmeric Leaves – Haldi Patta
- Highly effective antioxidant, and is anti-inflammatory in character.
- Is widely used in herbal mixtures to ward off fever and cold.
- Can be used for cooking in place of turmeric powder.
- Triggers bile production, boosts digestion.
- Reduces the risk of heart diseases, alzheimers, and cancer.
- Delays the onset of type 2 diabetes.
-
Taro Leaves – Arbi
- Low in calories, and high in fiber.
- Contains high levels of antioxidants that aid disease prevention.
- Boosts immunity and heart health, and improves eyesight.
- Reduces blood pressure, and supports weight loss.
- Cook well and consume as raw leaves are poisonous.
-
Moringa Leaves – Sahjan
- Packed with antioxidants that prevents cell damage, and boosts immunity.
- Vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients boosts brain activity and concentration.
- The fibers actively promote good digestion, and ward off diarrhea and acidity.
- Antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids support skin health.
- Fights off a variety of infections, and may keep cancer at bay.
-
Roselle Leaves – Gongura
- Rich with dietary fibers that promotes better digestion.
- High presence of Potassium and Magnesium lowers blood pressure.
- Are anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial in nature.
- Rich in Iron and Vitamin C.
- Presence of chlorophyll in leaves increases hemoglobin levels in body.
- Antibacterial properties cures Urinary Tract Infections and Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
It’s true that most of us loathed vegetables, the leafy ones in particular, as kids. But being a grown up is all about realizations, and the best ones are always about health and happiness. Make your life easy by eating a lot of leafy! Its the wisest adult-decision you can ever make.
