With the change in season, comes a change in vegetables. In today’s world we can get everything all the time so what should we eat?
Always whole foods and as much raw as possible. Yes, even in winter.
Green leafy vegetables are hugely popular and most have a bitter taste which helps stimulate digestive function. This process occurs by stimulating the bitter receptors on the tongue. This action stimulates several chemical reactions, starting with the release of gastric acid, pepsin in the stomach, and pancreatic secretions and increases the flow of bile to break down rice and fatty foods.
This bitter effect aids in general cleansing of body tissues and improves more efficient cellular metabolism. Most are high in a variety of nutrients including Iron, vitamin E and C, beta carotene and folic acid.
Leafy greens also help to breakdown and eliminate mucus and congestion. So, more greens in the diet may mean less runny noses and coughs. Certainly, something to consider with the cooler weather coming. Another useful addition to combating flu season.
Below are some of the healthy greens you may want to buy at your local greengrocer.
- Rocket– Also known as “arugula”. It is an Italian green that is peppery to taste and is rich in calcium and beta-carotene.
- Endive– Has a mild bitter taste and can be used in salads and stir fries. It adds an interesting dimension when added to a warm salad.
- Beetroot greens– these leaves are the leafy tops of the beetroot plant and are high in Calcium, Iron, and vitamin A.
- Radish Greens – these leaves are the tops of the radish. Use the smaller leaves as they have a mild flavour.
- Bok choy – An extremely popular Asian green that is full of Vitamin C, small quantities of Iron, calcium, and dietary fibre
- Choy Sum – This cabbage has yellow flowers and looks like a slimmer version of Bok choy. It contains vitamin C, beta-carotene and provides some iron. It also contains dietary fibre.
All green leafy vegetables will have a positive effect on nutritional levels and improve digestion. Generally, the stronger the bitter taste the stronger the effect. Happy Health!
