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:

1. 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.
    
2. 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!
    
3. 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.
    
4. 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.
    
5. 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!