Ten quick facts about why dark-green leafy vegetables are so good for you.

Dark leafy greens:

1. Are naturally low in salt and fat.
2. Are a good source of fibre.
3. Are rich in vitamins A, C, K and folate.
4. Are high in the minerals calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium.
5. Offer protection against heart disease.
6. Can help slow insulin resistance, which can often be a pre-cursor to diabetes.
7. May help decrease the risk of developing pancreatic and prostate cancer.
8. Are so low in calories that they are often considered a “freebie” in most diets.
9. Are rich in protective antioxidants such as beta carotene and lutein,
   which help prevent many chronic diseases.
10. May help improve memory.

The nutrients, vitamins and minerals found in dark-green leafy vegetables may also help alleviate acne, arthritis, cataract and eye disorders, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, tooth decay and gum disease.

For more detailed information and references for these facts, please click here.

Tips:

• Canada’s Food Guide recommends that people eat a minimum ½ cup serving of green vegetables every day
  
  
• The darker the greens, the greater the nutrition.
  
  
• Important Note: Greens are a source of vitamin K which plays a role in healthy blood clotting. Individuals taking the anticoagulant medication Coumadin should consult their doctors before increasing the amount of leafy greens they eat.