There are innumerable benefits of having green leafy vegetables. They should be a major part of your diet. Dark green vegetables strengthen the immune system. It purifies the blood and improves the overall functioning of our body.
Green vegetables help to replenish the alkaline mineral content in our body. It neutralizes the acidic conditions and filters out pollutants. Some of the benefits of green vegetables are discussed below:
- Protects Our Vision
Green vegetables including dark green leafy vegetables contain cartenoids and antioxidants. They play a significant role in keeping our vision intact. Cartenoids are beneficial for the lens, retina and for the macular region of our eye. Green vegetables can protect us against macular degeneration and cataracts. Lutein and its isomer zeaxanthin in green vegetables are absorbed by the retina from blood.
It has some properties which helps in light absorption and can also strengthen one’s eyes function.It is in the macula, where the lutein is usually high in quantity. It effectively helps in absorption of high energy blue light photons and also helps in reduction of oxidative stress.
- Protects Against Cancer
A study conducted in Sweden, found evidence that eating more than 3 servings of green vegetables reduces the risk of having stomach cancer. The flavanoids and powerful antioxidants in green vegetables have protective properties against cancer. Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, sprouts are rich sources of isothiocyanates and idoles. They prevent the risk of having colon cancer.
Sulforaphane in broccoli sprouts contains cancer protective properties. Green vegetables intake in diet has also shown significant reduction in skin and breast cancer. Lutein and zeaxanthin also contribute in reducing the risk of having cancer.
- Helps to Burn Fat
Green vegetables and supplements are recommended for losing weight. Green vegetables are low in calories and have abundance of minerals and nutrients. It contains nitrites which in burning down the extra fat cells in our body. The burning of excess fat gradually helps to lose weight.
- Maintains cardiovascular Health
Green vegetables are high in fiber and can regulate cholesterol triglyceride levels in the body. The blood pressure level is maintained by nitric oxide. High levels of homocysteine have been associated with cardio vascular disorders. Green vegetables provide substrates that can convert homocysteine into amino acids. These amino acids are harmless in nature, thus reducing the risk of having heart diseases. The circulation of blood is improved. The antioxidants in green vegetables improve the functioning of the heart.
- Protects Against Toxins
Green leafy vegetables contain chlorophyll which is effective in neutralizing toxins in our body. The chlorophyll directly traps the toxin and renders it harmless. Aflatoxins are carcinogenic and are produced by fungi. Anti-toxic agents in green vegetables destroys such toxins that can be harmful for our health.
- Improves Brain Function
Green vegetables is also known to prevent cognitive age related issues. Vitamin B in green vegetables improves concentration level and overall brain functioning. The antioxidants and cartenoids prevent damage from free radicals and provide protection to the brain. High foliate (Vitamin B9) in green vegetables improves brain functioning.
