Kermit the
frog once said, “It’s not easy being green.” Well, I don’t exactly agree.
We can all
agree that an overall healthy diet is a diet rich in fresh vegetables and
fruits. By eating a plant rich diet the likeliness of disease and illness can
be greatly reduced.
One of the
most potent plant foods on the planet is the dark leafy green. Leafy greens
include kale, spinach, chard, collards, dandelion, most lettuces, and other
greens. Although dark leafy greens have been proven to be one of the best
Superfoods to consume, it’s one of the least consumed by most. Leafy greens are
extremely powerful foods, rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and
phytonutrients. They have more nutrition per calorie than any other plant-based
food. Leafy greens are also rich in fiber, low in fat and carbohydrates, and
are an excellent source of protein. Dark leafy greens are most likely the most
concentrated source of nutrition of any food you can consume.
“If dark
leafy greens are that nutritionally power-packed, then why don’t we consume
more on a daily basis?” Good question! It’s probably because the amount of
greens that would need to be consumed to get the required calories needed to
feel full is so great, that the average person may find it difficult to digest.
Plus many greens may have a bitter taste, which isn’t as palatable for most.
One of the
best ways to overcome this is to “drink” your greens. By blending or juicing
your greens the food is broken down to make it more easily digestible. Blending
is actually preferable as this makes for a more complete meal. If flavor is a
problem, add fruit or other sweet veggies. Just remember, “the greener the
smoothie the more nutritious the smoothie.” Not only does drinking your greens
make it easier to “swallow” you are able to consume more in one sitting
resulting in a much higher nutrient rich meal. You will feel fuller longer,
while regulating your body’s ability to cleanse the impurities, and nourish
your body all at the same time. Plus you will feel energized and more alive as
this life force moves through your blood stream throughout your body. “It’s
easy to be green!”
Green
smoothies are easy to make, easy to clean up, easy to store (although fresh is
always best), and can be inexpensive too. There are a variety of combinations
you can prepare, the list is endless. You can make them with just a few
ingredients, or add Superfoods to super-charge it’s power. You can consume
green smoothies for break, lunch, dinner, as a snack, and even as a dessert.
It’s easy to make smoothies when you travel too. Green smoothies are enjoyed by
young and old. Have a green smoothie or two a day can provide you with most of
your vitamins for the day. No more manufactured vitamin pills to take. Drink
your nutrition instead!
There are
tons of green smoothie and juice recipes available online and in books. So
there is no excuse for getting bored with greens. Here are some of the green
smoothies I've created recently that I think you will enjoy:
Now that
you are well informed about the importance and ease of consuming dark leafy
greens, go get your “green on”! Like I said, “it’s easy to be green!” Cheers!
Information
Disclaimer:
The
information within this article and throughout the Raw-Riffic website/blog is
intended for general information purposes only. Individuals should consult
their health care provider before administering any suggestions made. Any
application of the material set forth in this article or within the pages of
this website/blog is at the viewer/reader’s discretion and is his or her sole
responsibility.
My Sources:
Here are 10
reasons to drink a green smoothie every day, Jill Fleming, Mayo Clinic Health System. April 7, 2013.
10 Health
Benefits of Green Smoothies, Victoria Boutenko.
Green Leafy
Vegetables - Nutritional Powerhouses, Eat Your Greens! Laura
Dolson, About.com Guide.
Can
Drinking Too Many Green Smoothies Be BAD For You? Tracy Russell.
The
Importance Of Eating Green Leafy Vegetables (Greens), Tracy Russell.
10 Benefits
of Green Smoothies, Sophie Lizard, In Health, Lifestyle. June 7.
Is Your
Green Smoothie ACTUALLY Healthy And Balanced? Dr. Rhea Mehta. April
12, 2013 .
Green
smoothies 101: Health benefits and recipes, Angela Haupt, U.S. News & World
Report.
Guidelines
for Green Smoothie Consumption for Optimal Health Benefits, Raw Family.
