A heady mix of vitamins, minerals, protein, antioxidants and other nutrients, leafy greens contain all this and more. If you need any more convincing, they are good for your heart, blood sugar, immune system and cell repair. The comprehensive list as under will point you in the right direction.
1. Spinach
Spinach is rich in iron and fibre, low in fat and cholesterol. It is good for weight control, eyes, bones, and blood pressure. As a part of every world cuisine, it is the most common green found.
2. Fenugreek
Fenugreek is good for the hair, digestion, anaemia, respiratory disorders and diabetes and for lactating mothers. In Indian food, it is used extensively in rotis and curries.
3. Parsley
Parsley is packed with vitamins A and C. It powers the immune system and is a natural detoxer. It improves liver and kidney function.
4. Mint
Apart from freshening up our palate, mint benefits weight loss, asthma, depression, skin problems, and nausea. Mint can also be helpful in the treatment of bowel disorders like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). It has also been found useful in relieving the discomfort caused due to indigestion. Apart from all these, mint also has several other proven benefits like improving brain function, reducing pain during breastfeeding, and helping combat symptoms of the common cold.
5. Cabbage
Cabbage is richer than oranges in Vitamin C. It fights cancer, Alzheimer’s, skin diseases, and strengthens bones. Cabbage has also been found effective in reducing inflammation in various parts of the body. While Vitamin C acts as antioxidants for the body, the other nutrients of cabbage may help reduce cholesterol, improve digestion, and lower blood pressure. Therefore cabbage is often considered a great leafy green vegetable that helps to maintain a healthy heart.
6. Mustard greens
Regular consumption of these ensures blood and liver detoxification, lowering cholesterol, and improving skin and eye health.
7. Lettuce
Lettuce is rich in essential vitamins, nutrients and minerals that lower cholesterol, fights cancer, regulates sleep and blood pressure and protects neural health.
8. Curry leaves
Curry leaves are useful in stomach ailments, diabetes, to balance cholesterol and are anti-carcinogenic.
9. Red amaranth
It improves cardiovascular health, strengthens bones and stops hair loss.
10. Asparagus
Asparagus strengthens the immune system, aids weight loss and help with a hangover.
11. Basil
Basil fights cancer, lifts mood, combats stress and is beneficial in the flu. There are different types of basil leaves like sweet, Greek, Thai, holy, cinnamon, and lettuce basil, each with its unique set of health benefits. Sweet basil is considered healthy for the heart as well as the brain since it helps to reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, and also improve mental alertness. On the other hand, varieties like holy basil have been found to be effective in regulating blood sugar.
12. Spring onions
They improve bone health, enhance vision, benefit from viral infections, and lower blood sugar levels.
13. Collards
Collards fight cancer, lower blood pressure, detoxify, prevent arthritis, cataract and muscular dystrophy.
14. Kale
Kale, increasingly a part of smoothies and salads, prevents metastasis, fights cancer, detoxifies, improves heart function and even aids brain development in babies.
15. Betel leaf
A potent analgesic, betel leaf improves digestion, clears acne, increases appetite, and promotes oral health. It has various other antiseptic and anti-oxidative benefits.
16. Beet greens
Beet greens promote healthy bones, teeth, skin and blood vessels. They power up the immune system, improve vision and maintain cellular health.
17. Watercress
Watercress boosts immunity, fights cancer, supports thyroid function and adds a copious amount of fibre to the diet. It improves brain health, helps in pregnancy and reduces asthma.
18. Celery
Celery improves cardiovascular health, reduces blood pressure, decreases cholesterol, and boosts digestion and weight loss.
19. Fennel
Apart from enhancing the flavour of the food, fennel improves skin and cardiovascular health, prevents cancer, boosts digestion, reduces blood pressure, relieves hiccups, and treats flatulence.
20. Cilantro/coriander
The humble coriander has more benefits than just enhancing the taste of food. It improves menstrual health, reduces cholesterol, reduces digestive problems, keeps the urinary tract healthy, prevents inflammation, and lowers blood sugar levels.
The Bottom Line
While most people may not love leafy green vegetables such as those on this list, they are in fact extremely nutritious. Most of these leafy green vegetables are cultivated year-round meaning you can always buy them at your nearest grocery market. Therefore you will be able to add them to your regular diet almost any time of the year. Moreover, with a multitude of health benefits provided by leafy green vegetables, you now have all the more reason to consume these 20 super healthy leafy green vegetables regularly.
Also Read: Is Celery Good for You? Analyzing the Research-Backed Benefits
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
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