benefits of collard

Collard greens is helpful for heart health. Its antioxidant properties and vitamin content are essential for stabilizing heart rate. Collard greens are an excellent source of vitamin A (222% of RDA per 100 g) and carotenoid anti oxidants such as lutein, carotenes, zea xanthin, crypto xanthin, etc. These compounds are scientifically found to have antioxidant properties. Vitamin A also required maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin and is also essential for healthy vision. Consumption of natural fruits rich in flavonoids helps to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.

The vitamin C that is present in collards is great for strengthening immune system. With sufficient vitamin C, your body will be able to fight different kinds of disease. This leafy vegetable contains amazingly high levels of vitamin K, provides staggering 426% of recommended daily levels per 100 leaves. Vitamin K has a potential role in the increase of bone mass by promoting osteotrophic activity in the bone. It also has the beneficial effect in Alzheimers disease patients by limiting neuronal damage in their brain.

Collards are excellent source of calcium, vitamins A, C, K and phytonutrients, all representing requisite nutrients for good skin health. They are also one of the richest sources of lutein, and contains beta carotene, both improve our skin s elasticity, firmness and keep it healthy.

Collard greens contain a high concentration amount of carotenoids (zeaxathin and lutein). Both these ingredients are necessary for protecting our eyes against ultraviolet lights. Due to the high levels of these anti oxidants, they are helpful in defending the retina against free radicals.

Collards contain a dietary fiber, an important nutrient for weight loss and maintenance. The nutrients and chlorophyll in collards are excellent properties that help improve metabolism and aid weight loss. Including collards in your daily juice helps melt the fats away!

Choose collards with leaves that have firm and smooth texture. Smaller and younger leaves usually are less bitter and have a more tender feel. Fresh leaves can be stored up to 3 days in domestic refrigerators, and up to 10 days in high end freezers. Collard greens can be eaten fresh or cooked. If you prefer to eat them cooked, it is important to only cook them with small amount of water, better if you just steam them, to preserve the nutrients they contain. Overcooking will eliminate most of the vitamins and minerals in the leaves, making your dish no longer healthy.

Like all good things, eat/juice collard greens in moderate quantity. Despite the health benefits they bring, too much may also cause harm to the body, such as swelling of thyroid glands. Do not drink of its juice more than three times a week.

Greens are highly nutritious foods that offer a variety of health benefits. They rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and can also minimize your risk of developing certain diseases. A Harvard based study concluded that those who eat eight or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily, particularly green, leafy vegetables, are 30 percent less likely to have a stroke or heart attack. Eating greens may also protect against certain cancers, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research. Collard, turnip, kale and mustard greens are nutritional powerhouses with distinct flavors. Mix them or eat them separately to enjoy their powerful tastes.

Collard greens contain 771 micrograms of vitamin A and 34.6 milligrams of vitamin C per 1 cup serving. These antioxidants help to lower the risk of oxidative stress on your cells, which is cell damage that can occur when your nutrient intake is low and when toxic chemicals and environmental pollutants enter your body. Collards also contain 5 grams of fiber per cup and can support the health of your digestive system when consumed regularly. Chop collard greens into small, even pieces to ensure that they cook evenly. Steam collards for 10 minutes or less to retain their nutrients and season them with peppers, chopped onions and your favorite herbs and spices.

One cup of turnip greens contains 197 milligrams of calcium, almost one fifth of the recommended daily value for adults. Calcium helps to prevent bone softening, fractures and osteoporosis and supports the health of your teeth. Turnip greens also contain 292 milligrams of potassium, a mineral that enhances muscular strength and endurance during physical activities. Add chopped turnip greens to vegetable casseroles and salads or steam them lightly and enjoy them with brown rice or legumes.