The power of green!

I always ask you to think of your body as a bank, the more ‘money’ in the form of green veggies and leafy greens we put in our body the better health we have. Just like the continuous process of deposits earning higher dividends the same way continuously including green veggies and leaves in our diets empowers us to live a good healthy life. It really is no coincidence that two powerful things are associated with the colour green – vegetables or leafy greens and money.

Greens are a powerhouse of nutrients and antioxidants, Iron, Vitamins A, B, E and K, Magnesium, Calcium to name a few. I always explain that they are your soldiers that protect you and keep you in good health. When I talk of greens I don’t only talk about spinach. Read on to know which vegetables and leafy greens one should include in their daily diets.

Okra: also known as ladies' fingers, is a powerful vegetable as half contains soluble fibre, which lowers cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart disease. The other half, insoluble fibre, helps keep the intestinal tract healthy.

Drumsticks: are good in regulating blood sugar levels and purifying the blood.

Green Capsicum: is rich in antioxidants which help fight free radicals. Its anti-inflammatory properties work superbly in relieving pain and swelling linked with arthritis.

Gourd family: this family is your “go to” vegetable. The water content and high fibre keeps you hydrated, cool and prevents constipation.

French beans: are high in fibre and serve as an easy source for acquiring vitamins A, C, K, B6 and folic. They avert colon cancer, boost immunity and treat gastrointestinal issues.

Coriander: is just not for garnish but it packs a punch. It is high in iron, calcium and various minerals. It is a powerful antioxidant which is needed to reduce the risk for all causes of mortality.

Mint: this should not be associated with an only freshening of breath but also with inhibiting tuberculosis, prostate cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, aiding digestion and enhancing memory while increasing alertness.

Basil: commonly known as tulsi, has powerful medicinal properties such as stress reliever, oral ailments, respiratory disorders, fever, asthma, heart diseases and an anti-carcinogenic.

Mustard leaves: have high nutrition and low-calorie count ratio as they are packed with fibre, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.

Amaranth: these leaves are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, iron and other minerals. They provide an energy boost, improved digestion, good for anaemic patients, eyesight and prevent any calcium deficiency disorders.
Indian Lettuce: is almost 95 per cent water – thus keeps you well hydrated. Eating it will ensure the well-being of your eyes, heart and brain and will also aid in weight loss.

Drumstick leaves: are your highest source for any vitamins in any leafy greens. They are excellent for lactating mothers, maintaining normal cholesterol and diabetes levels.

Green chilli: is a brilliant support to the digestive system since it is rich in Vitamin C. People suffering from diabetes should take it as it controls blood sugar levels.

Radish greens: are rich in Vitamin A, B6 and C, magnesium, phosphorous, iron, calcium and antioxidants which aid in skin care, lower cholesterol and regulate digestion.

Wheatgrass: is usually consumed as a fresh juice. It can be used as an everyday powerful health tonic and is very a beneficial antioxidant when it comes to diminishing the threat of all ailments from joint pains to cancer.