AGE | Leafy Greens: A Veggie Powerhouse for Your Health
Mindy Meuli, MS, RD
Leafy, green vegetables, like spinach, kale, and collard greens, are a great addition to your plate. These vegetables are nutrient dense and can offer health benefits, especially for older adults. Some of the nutrients from leafy greens include:
- Vitamin A– helps with eye health and seeing at night; keeps skin healthy; helps heal wounds and boost the immune system.
- Vitamin C– helps heal wounds, boost immunity, and keep cells and issue healthy; helps make blood vessels, bones, and teeth.
- Vitamin K– helps maintain bone health and prevent osteoporosis; helps protect against cardiovascular disease; may help maintain cognitive function.
- Iron– helps blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body and protects against iron-deficiency anemia.
- Fiber– helps with digestion and preventing constipation.
Leafy greens are an adaptable veggie, easy to add to smoothies, eggs, soups, casseroles, tacos, salads, and stir-fry.
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