Health Benefits of Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are healthy and delicious, but too many people forget to include them in their diet. Spinach, kale, broccoli and cabbage are high in fiber, low in calories, and deliver a good portion of your daily RDA for several vitamins.

If you are trying to lose belly fat, one of the best things you can do is incorporate a serving of leafy greens at dinner each night. Try steamed broccoli topped with a bit of lemon juice and olive oil. This vegetable dish contains fiber that helps you feel full and satisfied after your meal, and is low in calories.

Consumption of leafy greens has also been found to reduce your heart attack risk. If you are one of the New Jersey locals who struggle with their weight, especially with belly fat, you need to pay attention to your heart health. One daily serving of cabbage, kale or other cruciferous vegetables can lower risk of heart attack by as much as 11 percent. This is thanks, in part, to a high amount of fiber, vitamin C, folic acid, potassium and magnesium.

Leafy greens can also reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. They have a low glycemic index and high magnesium content. Increasing your intake by one serving a day can knock down your diabetes risk by 9%.

How best to eat these powerhouse foods? Try broccoli on the grill at your next barbecue. Spinach can be added to smoothies without affecting the taste. Cabbage is delicious when it is quickly stir fried with light oil and some garlic.

By incorporating these foods into your daily diet, you can lose weight, improve your health, and enjoy a healthier, more varied menu.