6 Vegetables That Might Save Your Life

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A recent article in the Huffington Post highlighted why leafy green vegetables may just be the most nutritious food you can eat. Vegetables are packed with vitamins (A, B, K and others) and also rich in essential minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium, as well as antioxidants, which protect cells against damage.

Leafy greens also contain phytochemicals, natural compounds that can help prevent hardening of the arteries and lower inflammation linked to heart disease.

 

Here are 6  leafy green vegetables that can improve your health!

1. Swiss Chard

This green is a top source of 2 important antioxidants: syringic acid and kaempferol. Syringic acid helps to stabilize blood sugar by inhibiting ­enzymes that turn carbs into simple sugars. Kaempferol protects cells against cancer-causing toxins and may reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes.

2. Arugula

Arugula is very high in nitrate levels and helps to ­increase blood flow which enhances performance. It’s also packed with flavonoids, an antioxidants that fights heart disease and it may also prevent ulcers.

3. Collard Greens

Collard Greens are very good at binding your stomach’s bile acids, which can help lower your cholesterol levels and even protect you from some cancers. Collard greens also contain a special class of phytochemicals that nourish the body’s natural detoxifying system.

4. Bok Choy

Bok choy is a great source of potassium, which helps to build muscle and keep blood pressure low. It is also loaded with vitamin A, which helps to strengthen the immune system by increasing white-blood-cell activity.

5. Kale

Kale is a prime source of cancer-thwarting compounds called glucosinolates. In addition, it has kaempferol, which researchers believe combats cancer and may also protect the heart, lower blood sugar, strengthen bones and reduce inflammation in the body. Kale is also rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that help to prevent eye disease and vision loss.

6. Watercrest

A single cup of watercress will exceed your recommended daily allowance of vitamin K. In addition, it can help regulate blood clotting and reduce plaque on artery walls. If you could eat watercress daily for two months, you would reduce DNA damage to your white blood cells, thus reducing your risk of cancer.

For the complete article, check out the Huffington Post