You have probably heard this already, that a green diet is good for your overall health and well-being. If you didn’t pay attention earlier, it’s about time you give it a shot.
A green diet is the key to a healthy mind and body. The entire diet revolves around the consumption of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, oil and nuts. It is more of a lifestyle choice and philosophy than a diet. The green diet, besides being good for everyone in general, is highly beneficial for people suffering from high cholesterol, blood pressure, cancer, obesity and fatigue.
Here are a few reasons and ways you can incorporate the diet in your lifestyle.
The main aim of organic agriculture is being sustainable. This means that it can be continued indefinitely, without the depletion of resources. Organic farming also avoids the use of harmful chemicals. Organic farms grow a wide variety of plants to keep the soil healthy and preserve diversity, in a chemical free environment.
Whole foods are nutritionally complex and complete. On the other hand, refined foods have much of their nutritional value and fiber removed. Eat legumes and beans for protein filling meals.
Almost three thousand additives are used in processed foods! If you do not want to fill your body with all those chemicals, it is time to say no to processed foods and yes to a healthy body!
Consume a large variety of dark green leafy vegetables in their raw form. Eating them raw provides the maximum benefits to the body.
Try and avoid consuming poultry, fish and other meat. Diary should also be avoided if you want to follow the green diet properly.
It is a no brainer that natural and fresh foods are much healthier for our bodies. The green diet, with its stress on fresh foods, provides the following benefits:
Dairy products and meat contain a large amount of saturated fats, which may have negative effects on health.
Reduced consumption of saturated fats will improve your health tremendously, especially cardiovascular health.
Potassium in green diet balances water and acidity in the body. This stimulates the kidney to eliminate toxins.
A diet that is high in potassium also reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
Plant based foods contain a high amount of antioxidants and phytochemicals.
These help to boost the protective enzymes in the body, preventing cancer.
Fresh fruits and vegetables contain beta-carotene. This prevents the onset of age related macular degeneration.
The high level of antioxidants in this food also protects from cataract.
The unsaturated oil, vitamins and mineral provided by the green diet helps to make the skin healthy and beautiful.
People following the green diet notice a remarkable reduction in blemishes and acne.
Kale belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family. This ruffled edged leaf may range in color from purple to cream to black.
Kale is an excellent source of vitamins A, D, E, and K. It also supplies a good amount of calcium, folate, and potassium.
It contains high levels of zeaxanthin, an antioxidant that helps to prevent macular degeneration.
Regular consumption of kale also reduces the risk of developing diabetes.
Collard green is a leafy green vegetable that belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family too. The other noteworthy members of this super healthy vegetable family are kale, broccoli and cabbage. Collard has dark green leaves with a smooth texture.
These are very popular as a raw food.
Serve steamed collard green with brown rice for a healthy meal.
A half-cup collard provides around 24 calories.
Swiss chard is a vegetable with an impressive list of health promoting nutrients. It is a green vegetable with red stems and fan like leaves.
Swiss chard contains oxalates, which can be reduced by cooking.
Cooking also brings out the sweet taste of the chard.
Chard contains around 15 calories and is a good source of vitamin A, C, potassium, magnesium and antioxidants.
This bright looking green vegetable comes packed with vitamin A, C, folate and antioxidants.
A hormone found in spinach helps to repair and build muscles by increasing protein synthesis in the body.
Add this mild flavored vegetable to soups, pasta, casseroles and curries.
Spinach salads make a delicious meal or side dish.
Broccoli is an umbrella shaped, dark green floret, growing on thick, green stalks.
Broccoli heads are best consumed raw or steamed.
Broccoli is loaded with Vitamin C, K and protein, which provides resistance against a number of diseases.
It contains phytonutrients and flavonoids, which are believed to protect from colon, uterus, pancreatic and breast cancer.
Kiwi is a nutrient dense fruit.
It provides 230% of the daily-recommended allowance of vitamin C.
It also contains high levels of Vitamin A and vitamin E.
Brussels sprouts are miniature cabbage like heads nestled in large, green leaves.
This cruciferous vegetable defends the body against prostate, colon and breast cancer.
A single serving of brussels sprout provides the entire recommended amount of vitamin K and more than half of the vitamin C requirement.
There are many different varieties of cabbage, including red and white cabbages.
Cabbage can be cooked, added raw to salads, stir fried or can be shredded into a slaw.
One half cup of cabbage gives 15 calories.
This cruciferous vegetable is a great source of cancer fighting compounds and vitamin C.
One medium sized cabbage provides a substantial dose of potassium, folate and dietary fiber.
Whole grains are rich in B vitamins, vitamin E, magnesium, fiber and iron.
It decreases cholesterol level and blood pressure in the body, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Studies have also found that people who consume whole grains are thinner than those who include little or no grain in their diet.
Legumes are an amazing source of satiating fiber and protein.
It contains high levels of protein, which is very beneficial for maintaining lean mass.
It slows down the absorption of glucose, keeping blood sugar levels in the body stable.
As we mentioned earlier, the green diet is a lifestyle choice. If you want a healthy body you must take care of yourself. With the green diet, you cannot go wrong. Natural green food, devoid of chemicals, will definitely help your body thrive!
Hope this article was helpful! Do share your green diet recipes with us if you have any.