Can a simple food like “greens” really energize us? As we approach the Spring season, the beauty of green surrounds us. Aside from our lovely landscape, are the edible greens of lettuces, basil, turnip greens, Bok Choy, and many others. You may be more familiar with the typical salad greens, but there is a big variety of leafy greens and herbs. They have amazing power, come in many different forms, and can turn out delicious recipes. Nature sure planned it perfectly since spring is also a time for cleansing and greens help us do just that.
When it comes to “cleansing” our body of toxins, our liver is one of our main detoxing organs. It works daily on eliminating the chemicals we come in contact with in our household products, environment, and even the products we apply to our skin. While we work on transforming our products to more natural choices, we can help our bodies reduce the effects naturally by looking at the foods we eat to support our liver. So how do they make an impact?
In Asian medicine green is related to the liver, emotional stability, and creativity, with good reason. Dark leafy greens are packed with many vitamins and minerals including calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, vitamins A, C, E, and K. They are also high in chlorophyll that helps to remove toxins from our blood stream, in addition to helping improve gall bladder, kidney function, circulation and our immune system. They also provide us with energy, and antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and work towards preventing many diseases. The benefits don't stop at leafy greens. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, brussel sprouts, and cauliflower contain sulfur compounds that also aid in liver health.
So how do we add them into the diet of picky eats, both children and adults? There are many delicious and also subtle ways, from adding them to breakfast power smoothies to making kale chips. Once you discover methods of sautéing or steaming some of the dark leafy greens, while adding garlic, nuts or seeds, and even some fruits along with a little olive oil, it can become a delicious adventure. So next time you're in the grocery store, pass by the Iceberg lettuce and try some fresh Kale, baby Bok Choy, or Swiss Chard, get the skillet out and have some fun.
