Sure, St. Paddy’s day is all about the beer and the beef, but remember to show your Irish pride on the inside as well as on the out with these healthy leafy greens.
t I know. St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner. Many of you are probably arming yourselves with recipes for Irish car bombs, homemade Irish cream and a big plate of corned beef and cabbage. You’re probably doing last-minute shopping for that perfect shade of green and looking for anything with a four-leaf clover stamped on the front of it.
t While I know St. Paddy’s Day is all about the beer and the beef, I’d like to take a moment to remind you to show your Irish pride on the inside as well as on the out this holiday. Be good to your Irish roots and do your ancestors proud by remembering these healthy leafy greens who so often go neglected this time of year.
Kale
t Still so popular in many healthy recipes, kale offers a powerful dose of vitamin C and antioxidants that reduce cholesterol and promote heart health.
Broccoli
t Roasted, grilled, boiled or browned, broccoli continues to be a powerful cruciferous vegetable with the power to prevent bladder cancer when eaten regularly.
Spinach
t Not only is spinach another green vegetable full of vitamins and cancer-fighting antioxidants, it is also known to increase eyesight accuracy and function. Spinach is also an excellent source of folic acid and iron for expectant mothers.
Alfalfa Sprouts
t Who knew these little bundles were full of beauty-enhancing powers? Alfalfa sprouts are rich in beta-carotene, which aids in the preservation and growth of healthy hair, nails, skin and teeth.
Brussels sprouts
t Imagine being able to consume 80 percent of your daily value of vitamin C in just a half-cup of this flavorful vegetable. We all know how good vitamin C is for our immune system; now you can dress it up in many different Brussels sprouts dishes!
Lima beans
t Lima beans are an excellent source of manganese, a trace element necessary to a healthy metabolism and bone development. An excellent aid for digestion, manganese also helps you break down fats, protein and carbohydrates.
Cabbage
t And finally we reach Ireland’s favorite leafy green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with: cabbage. Cabbage is a miracle vegetable. Each serving of cabbage can be likened to taking a multivitamin. Cabbage is packed full of essentials vitamins and nutrients like riboflavin, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium.
t So while you’re enjoying your beef and brew on this day of Irish brotherly love, be sure to slap a side of healthy greens on top. You’ll thank me later.
t Cheers lassies!
t Want more food content? See more from Megan here. >>
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