Collard Greens for Health

Eat more collard greens for health and wellness. These leafy greens are a delicious food that is loaded with nutrients and is a virtual powerhouse for athletes. They also benefit those of us who cannot always be active.

It is easily prepared, and will keep well in the refrigerator. Make a collard green side dish. It has cholesterol-lowering properties. Collards may be the greatest of our commonly eaten cruciferous vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables include greens such as spinach, kale and cabbage.

Collard Greens Health Benefits

It has unique health benefits in the form of cancer protection. This connection between collard greens and cancer prevention should not be surprising. They help in other ways too, like the following.

• Used to detox the body
• Provides a boost of antioxidants
• Helps fight inflammation
• They are a great resource for vitamin K and vitamin A
• Rich in soluble fiber
• Helps to treat digestive disorders
• Great for heart health

Eat collard greens several times a week, so that you can reap the benefits it provides. Add them to a fruit-smoothie to give it a better flavor, that is the smoothie, not the collard greens. Even better from a health standpoint, enjoy collards and other vegetables from the cruciferous vegetable group 4-5 times per week. Also, increase your serving size to 2 cups.

Researchers find that cruciferous vegetables lower the risk of heart problems and atherosclerosis. The greatest benefit of these rich leafy greens may be to our blood vessels, which is why they are so good for a heart healthy diet.