We hear a lot about ensuring we eat our green, leafy vegetables. What are they and why do we need them?
They are otherwise known as above ground, non-starchy vegetables and they are the best for providing us with a lot of the nutrients our bodies need, and importantly keeping our body in an alkaline state, which is important for our long term kidney health. The only part of our body that should be acidic is our stomach. The rest should be alkaline.
The nutrients provided for in our green, leafy vegetables are Vitamins A, C, K, B's (including our much needed folate), and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, as well as antioxidants, and dietary fibre.
Folate enters our biochemical pathways best in the fresh form and not as a supplement. The folate pathway then kicks off the methionine pathway, with the first handshake being a need for active Vitamin B12. After many biochemical pathway processes we ultimately end of with Glutathione (our body's most powerful antioxidant), and our neurotransmitters that keep our moods nice and balanced and happy, and ensuring we get enough melatonin for good sleep. That's a lot of responsibility for our leafy, green vegetables and hence why they should be included in the majority of our meals!
A variety of green, leafy vegetables is needed
Adding fresh herbs to your meals is a flavoursome way to add to your vegetable count each day and increase your vitamins and minerals to satisfy your body's needs. Examples include coriander, mint, curry leaves, parsley, dill, chives, basil, nettle etc.
Greens on the side of your plate can include examples like beet greens, collard greens, watercress, all different types of lettuce etc. We should try and incorporate 30 DIFFERENT types of vegetables in our diet each week. Do you? Including the herbs and the greens on the side can help ensure it's easier than we think.
Specific Green, leafy vegetables
Understanding a little more about individual green, leafy vegetables, we can highlight some specific examples:
Kale
One of the most nutrient dense providing our days requirements of Vitamins A, K, C in 1 cup. Contains antioxidants lutein, and beta-carotene.
Microgreens
Are immature leaves from the seeds of vegetables and herbs. Not just useful as a garnish, but full of Vitamins C, E, K and likely in higher concentrations than the mature plant.
Collard greens
Are loose leaf greens with thick leaves and a bitter taste. Great source of calcium, Vitamins A, C, K and Folate.
Spinach
Great source of Vitamin K, A, Folate and Manganese
Cabbage
Belong to the Brassica family which is so helpful for liver detoxification and support. Others members include Kale, Broccoli, and Brussel Sprouts.
Beet Greens
Rich in potassium, calcium, Vitamins A, B2, and K along with antioxidants lutein and beta-carotene.
Romaine Lettuce
Great source of Vitamins A and K
Rocket
Has a slightly peppery taste, and is full of folate and Vitamin K
Endive
Full of Vitamins A, K and Folate
Bok Choy
Has Selenium in it which is important helping us obtain Glutathione (our body's major antioxidant), and helpful for thyroid function, cognitive function and immunity.
Turnip greens
A member of the cruciferous vegetables that are important for reducing inflammation. Packed full of calcium, manganese, Vitamins A, C, K and Folate and many antioxidants.
Important to Note on Cooking:
Green, leafy vegetables should NOT be cooked to ensure you obtain nutrients from them. Cooking destroys the vitamins and minerals.
Additional Note on Oxalates:
It's important not to overdo one particular source of green, leafy vegetable. Like all things in life, balance is key. Too much of any particular green, leafy vegetable can also pose health issues in some people, like oxalates that can cause intense, unexplained pain in the body. See my blog on Oxalates.
If you would like to understand more why an alkaline diet is important for your kidney health, and how to ensure you balance your diet to avoid issues for your own personal needs, please feel free to book an appointment.
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