Dark green leafy vegetables(DGLVs) are an excellent source of nutrients including folate, zinc, calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin C and fibre.
Part of what makes DGLVs so super is their potential to reduce your risk of chronic illnesses including heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
They also contain high levels of anti-inflammatory compounds known as carotenoids, which may protect against certain types of cancer.
Some well-known DGLVs include:
- Kale
- Swiss chard
- Collard greens
- Turnip greens
- Spinach
Some DGLVs have a bitter taste and not everyone enjoys them plain. You can get creative by including them in your favourite soups, salads, smoothies, stir-fries and curries.
SUMMARY Dark green leafy vegetables are full of fibreand nutrients which may be instrumental in preventing certain chronic diseases.
What Are Superfoods?
Superfoods are foods —mostly plant-based—that are thought to be nutritionally dense and thus good for one's health.
Superfoods contain a variety of nutrients, such as antioxidants, which are thought to ward off cancer. They also have healthy fats, thought to prevent heart disease; fibre, thought to prevent diabetes and digestive problems; and phytochemicals —the chemicals in plants responsible for deep colours and smells, which can have numerous health benefits. Consuming foods that are packed with nutrients (as many so-called superfoods are) is certainly a good idea. But the key to a healthy diet is to consume a variety of nutritious foods in the right quantities
