If you’re consuming leafy greens, particularly as you age, you have a far better chance of living a life enriched with vitality and good health. That should come as a surprise to no one. Numerous important compounds and nutrients are supplied by good food choices.
It’s easy to overlook the power of vegetables and leafy greens as you age, however. Appetites tend to change, medications can make things taste different, and more. Regardless, it’s important to make sure that leafy greens are included in your diet, especially if you’re entering or are already in your golden years.
Leafy Greens – What’s That?
Granted, that’s a relatively broad term – “leafy greens.” What it refers to, in a nutshell, is any green leafed vegetable. This can include Swiss chard, cabbage, kale, spinach, all varieties of lettuce, and more. Those are large leaf. However, other versions of vegetables with smaller leaves include turnip greens, beet greens, collard greens, and micro greens.
There are also some relatively obscure greens in addition to the above-listed. Spice up your diet by including a wide variety of greens. It will give you the best balance of textures, flavors, and nutrients. Let’s look at their benefits.
Balance Sugar
To keep your blood sugar levels in check, it is essential that you eat leafy greens for their fiber (among other things). You’ll enjoy a more consistent level of energy and feel more stable. If you have diabetes, this is a particularly powerful benefit.
Reduce Stress
Surprisingly, you may actually enjoy reduced stress levels by getting enough leafy greens in your diet. Mood improvement and the folate found in leafy greens are closely linked. Magnesium may be of assistance, as well.
Discourage Irregularity
As a body ages, keeping “regular” may become more difficult. With plenty of leafy green vegetables in your diet, you’re more likely to avoid irregularity and improve digestion.
Antioxidants
Leafy greens, in addition to nutrients, also supply your body with a wide selection of antioxidants. Kale offers not only antioxidants, but beta-carotene, as well. There are specific advantages to all greens.
Calories
Because these vegetables consist mostly of water, fiber, and nutrients, they are low in calories. If you’re trying to watch your weight or lose weight, that’s important.
Nutrients
Dark green leafy vegetables in particular have the densest nutrients. Expect to get lots of calcium, potassium, iron, folate, vitamin C, and vitamin A from dark green leafy vegetables. Kale, for one, is a good source.
Cognition Improvement
A slower rate of decline in retirement age individuals, and improved memory as well, can be a pleasant side effect of consuming daily leafy green servings. Include vegetables such as Swiss chard, kale (once again), and spinach.
Eat Healthy – Live Happy
At our retirement community, residents dine on chef-prepared meals in a fine dining atmosphere. We understand that making healthy dietary decisions makes for a healthier, happier existence. Rest assured the meals in which you or your loved one partakes will be nutritious, delicious, and adhere to any dietary restrictions you or they may have.
If you would like to find out more about our retirement community, you can call 240-253-6616 with leasing and sales questions. Please talk to a representative at 301-766-0066 for other inquiries. We also have a convenient online form option you can use. Fill it out, send it in, and we will respond.
Your best opportunity to see and experience all we have to offer is to schedule a tour. We look forward to meeting you.
