Why You Should Eat More Spinach & Kale
Eating the right foods can help keep you stay mentally sharp, positive and productive. Studies have shown that eating leafy vegetables like spinach and kale once or twice a day can support brain health and may help to slow cognitive decline.
Spinach contains B vitamins, vitamin E, vitamin K, folate, and L-tyrosine. These nutrients can help improve your memory and mental focus. One-half cup of cooked spinach contains one-third of the amount of folate and five times the amount of vitamin K you need in a day.
Omega-3s, which are great for brain health, are found in Kale. Kale contains large amounts of vitamin C (one serving of kale has as much vitamin c as an orange), vitamin A, vitamin K, and is high in brain-supporting antioxidants including beta-carotene, flavonoids, and polyphenols.
Now, just how can you incorporate more greens into your diet? We will give you 5 easy ways to eat more greens:
- Smoothie
- Kale chips
- Pesto
- Wraps
- Prep them
5 Easy Ways to Eat More Greens:
- Smoothie. Start off your morning by making a green smoothie! This is an especially good idea if you’re not a fan of the way greens taste. Throw together about 2 cups of kale or spinach in a blender, add water until all the leafy chunks are gone, and top it off with about 2 cups of mango, pineapple, or bananas and blend until smooth. An easy and delicious way for you to get your greens in for the day.
- Kale chips. If you are a fan of the salty, satisfying crunch of potato chips, you should seriously consider giving kale chips a try. The recipes available on a quick internet search are endless. All you really need is kale, salt, olive oil, and an oven!
- Pesto. Basil is the key ingredient in pesto, which counts for a leafy green, but get more bang for your buck and add in some extra greens. Go with a neutral tasting green, such as baby spinach. You'll be getting extra vitamins, while enjoying a delicious meal.
- Wraps. Using greens to wrap your favorite "sandwich" ingredients is such an easy way to increase your greens intake. Get creative! Instead of a tortilla, use a lettuce wrap for your tacos. Instead of a bun, how about using a kale wrap for your burger? The possibilities are endless.
- Prep them. Eating your veggies requires preparation. Make sure you wash, cut, and place them in small baggies in your fridge. This way, when you are in a hurry, you can just grab and go!
