From Coriander To Methi, 7 Super Healthy Green Leaves To Add To Your Diet

To keep illnesses and infections at bay, making smart food choices is integral. While non-vegetarian protein sources are crucial to building muscles and boosting energy levels, green leafy vegetables are necessary to support nutritional requirements. Adding healthy green leaves can provide you with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which support immune function and reduce inflammation in the body. Moreover, high fibre content aids digestion and also promotes weight management. Therefore, here are some leafy greens that are a must for your overall health.

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Coriander or Dhania

Rich in antioxidants, coriander helps combat harmful molecules called free radicals in the body, which promote overall health. Free radicals can damage cells and contribute to various health issues, including inflammation and chronic diseases. In addition, due to its essential oils that stimulate enzymes, it also boosts digestion and keeps gastrointestinal issues at bay. Moreover, it contains anti-inflammatory properties that may contribute to heart health by reducing cholesterol levels.

Fenugreek Or Methi

Whether you consume it as a vegetable dish or add it to your paratha filling, methi leaves, or fenugreek leaves, are extremely beneficial for your health. Packed with fibre, iron, and other vital nutrients, they are known to help improve digestion, maintain healthy haemoglobin levels, and regulate blood sugar levels.

According to a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, participants who consumed fenugreek showed a significant decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and increased levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, hence improving heart health.

Parsley

Parsley is a nutrient-dense herb. Rich in vitamin K, it helps in blood clot formation, which in turn prevents excessive bleeding. Additionally, the nutrient helps the bone grow and also improves bone mineral density, which protects against the risk of osteoporosis. Moreover, parsley’s vitamin A helps maintain healthy vision, skin, and immune function.

Spinach

Spinach is a nutrient powerhouse. It is packed with iron, which helps prevent anaemia, a condition that affects young children, menstruating adolescent girls and women, and pregnant and postpartum women, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It is not only high in fibre, which supports digestive health, but it also contains compounds like lutein and zeaxanthin, which contribute to eye health.

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Kale

Another green, leafy vegetable that is great for your health is kale. It is high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium. All of these nutritional properties make it capable of protecting against and preventing chronic conditions like bone disease, heart problems, and cancer.

Mint

If you have an upset stomach or are suffering from acid reflux or indigestion, adding mint to your diet can bring some relief, says a study published by Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. Since the herb is versatile, it can be used to add flavour to salads, smoothies, and beverages like tea or infused water.

Curry Leaves

Indian households have a special liking for curry leaves, especially while preparing aromatic foods like curries, dals, and soups. But besides adding flavour to food, it also provides people with nutritional benefits. It is rich in fibre, calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, zinc, and flavonoids, which altogether help control diabetes, improve digestion, prevent anaemia, and also promote hair health.

Conclusion

Your diet must include a variety of foods to support your body’s nutritional needs. Green, leafy vegetables definitely top the chart. From coriander leaves to spinach to kale, all of these contain high amounts of nutrients and antioxidant properties that help boost immunity and also reduce the risk of chronic conditions. Whether you like it or not, making a habit of adding leafy greens to your diet can prove extremely beneficial.