In honour of St. Patricks Day, I thought I would have a green inspired “Wellbeing Wednesday” tip and share with you some of the best green foods to include into your dietary regime.
We’ve all been told to eat our Greens, and it’s true. Dark green vegetables are packed full of phytonutrients. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, support the liver, cleanse the blood and provide excellent energy for our cells. It does not really matter what kind you eat; kale, chard, broccoli, spinach, arugula or how you eat them; raw, steamed, sautéed, blended, the point is you just, eat them!
The kiwi is often a forgotten fruit . A single kiwi has more vitamin C than an orange! These little fruit sensations are packed with good nutrition as well as healthy fibers and antioxidants.
Who doesn’t love a perfect, creamy avocado? Avocados are well known for their healthy fats that support cognitive function, healthy skin and a healthy heart. But what is less known is that they contain a full spectrum of carotenoids, potent antioxidants, and when you put an avocado in a salad with other carotenoids (ie. carrots, dark greens) it increases their absorption by 200-400x!
I’m a huge fan of adding herbs to bring a dish to life. Get adventurous and start using them in your cooking. Cilantro eliminates mercury from the body; Basil is high in vitamin K and has antibacterial properties; Oregano contains omega-3 oils and is also antibacterial and Parsley is rich in vitamins, supports the kidneys and regulates blood pressure. These are just a few, experiment and remember herbal plants are nature’s medicine cabinets in our own kitchen.
Green Tea just might be the healthiest beverage we have. Loaded with polyphenols, these potent antioxidants have anti-cancer properties. Green tea contains L-Theanine, an amino acid, well known for its anti-anxiety properties. It supports cognitive function, reduces blood sugar levels and has been shown to inhibit infections. Aim for a cup of organic green tea daily.
RACHEL SCHWARTZMAN is a naturopathic doctor in the St. Clair West neighbourhood. She is the co-owner of West End Naturopathic Doulas, a naturopathic collective that supports pregnant women and partners with the birth of their babies. Westenddoulas.com
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