Leafy Greens and All Their Benefits!

We’re posting monthly blog posts from the integrative cancer care centre InspireHealth. This month we learn about the benefits of incorporating leafy greens into our diets.

Don’t forget your greens—these nutrient-dense vegetables pack a nourishing wallop! Leafy greens have much to offer, not just in flavour and texture, but also in the folate, fibre, and antioxidants they provide.

Folate, fibre, and antioxidants at a glance
If you haven’t yet explored what leafy green vegetables have to offer, the facts below may increase your interest and confidence in your decision to freshen up your routine meals and incorporate them into your diet!

Folate

• Folate (known as folic acid when in supplement form), is one of the B vitamins.  It is essential to produce DNA, and plays a role in protecting against colon cancer.
• Inadequate folate in the diet may increase the risk of heart disease.
• Aside from leafy greens, other folate-rich foods include orange juice, asparagus, strawberries, and legumes.

Fibre

• A high intake of dietary fibre is associated with a lowered risk of colorectal cancer.
• Dietary fibre has also been associated with a lowered risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Antioxidants

• Antioxidants are substances that may prevent potentially disease-producing cell damage that can result from natural bodily processes. Examples of common antioxidants are vitamins C and E, selenium, and beta-carotene.
• Antioxidants are found in our food, and by eating a range of deeply-coloured fruits and vegetables you can be sure that you are getting a wide selection.