Indian Green Leafy Vegetables and Their Benefits

Healthy and disease free life is what everyone looks for. But, an eye-opening fact is, we learn more on ready to eat foods but not on leafy greens!  In fact, Leafy greens are less expensive and are considered as the powerhouses of nutrition. They are loaded with nutrients, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. It delivers a plethora of health benefits and also strengthens our immune system. It shields the body from numerous diseases. So, achieve complete goodness of this superfood by making healthy green meals for optimal health.

Why you need to pile your plate with leafy greens:

Indian green leafy vegetables nourish us with more nutrients and contain bioactive compounds like Vitamin K, minerals, antioxidants and fibres. Adding a generous portion of leafy greens to hit your per day vegetable quota can make you stay fit and healthy.

Also, adding it your diet regularly can help protect your brain. There are numerous studies supporting this. In a study published in Neurology Journal showed that healthy seniors who had a serving of leafy greens daily showed a slower cognitive decline compared to individuals who include little or no greens (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29263222).

Top 5 green leafy vegetables and its benefits: 

There are many varieties of green leafy vegetables available in the Indian market. We have listed out a few, to help you know its maximum benefits. Include in your diet and make your plate colourful!

Spinach:

Spinach an easily available leafy vegetable in the market supplies a toll of health nutrients needed to your body. They are a rich source of dietary fibre, Zinc, choline, and Vitamin B1. It also contains antioxidants, carotenoids, flavonoids, and phytonutrients. Regular consumption helps to

• Decrease oxidative stress
• Regulate blood pressure due to the presence of nitrates
• Beneficial for eye health 
• Prevents cancer - as antioxidants levels are high in spinach it helps to suppress cancer cells. 
• Good for bone health
• Decreases the risk of developing Asthma

Amaranth Leaves:

Most commonly used green leafy vegetable in India. It’s available in different shades like red and green. It’s a storehouse for nutrients like fibre, protein, antioxidants, micronutrients, iron, phosphorous, magnesium, and manganese. Amaranth grains are also highly nutritious and contribute notable health benefits.

• Strengthens bones
• Promotes electrolyte balance
• Improves digestion
• Aids in weight management
• Prevents hair fall
• Supports eye health
• Protects from cardiovascular disease
• Prevents atherosclerosis

If you avoid taking leafy greens, then supplements are worth considering. You can purchase it from any online medicine websites.

Drumstick leaves / Moringa leaves:

Drumstick leaves are widely used in urban India.  It is one of the best green super foods as it is rich in nutrients like Vitamin c, iron, calcium, and beta carotene. It offers the following health benefits:

• Increase breast milk production
• Reduces swelling
• Boosts immune system
• Reduces cholesterol levels in the blood
• Protects liver
• Lowers blood sugar levels

Scallions:

Scallions also called spring onions have proven health benefits. It provides a wide spectrum of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, folate, potassium, magnesium, iron, vitamins A & K.

• It’s Chemo preventive benefits, reduces the risk of developing cancer. 
• strengthen bones and teeth
• Protects from the oral cavity and lung cancer
•  Helps to limit neuronal damage

Fennel leaves:

It offers numerous health benefits and is a good source of potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron,  Vitamin C, fibre, Vitamin A, niacin, B vitamins, Vitamin K and phosphorous. It helps

• To treat constipation
• Protect Eyes from inflammation
• Controls blood pressure
• Regulates mensuration
• Maintain cholesterol levels
• Increases brain function
• Prevents anaemia
• Treats respiratory conditions

Go green with leafy greens and try to capture the goodness of nature’s best nutrition supplement in one go. It provides miraculous health benefits. So, detox your body naturally. Try adding a bunch of your favourite to your basket on your next grocery visit to embrace a healthy body.

Author Bio:

Lakshmi Krishnanunni is a blogger and content writer who write many articles on Health, Travel, Business. She enjoys reading a new thing on the internet. He spends a lot of time on social media.