5 Green Foods for St. Patrick’s Day

Did you know green foods and drinks have surprising health benefits, especially when it comes to heart health? They sure do! Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by adding these green-hued lucky charms to your next snack or dinner dish!

1. Artichokes

What are artichokes?

Artichokes are a type of vegetable that belong to the thistle family.

What are the health benefits of artichokes?

They are low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Artichokes are also rich in antioxidants and can aid digestion, liver function, and heart health.

How can I use artichokes?

To use them, you can steam, boil, or grill them, and then eat the tender flesh of the leaves and the heart, which is the meaty center of the vegetable. Artichokes can be enjoyed on their own or used in various dishes, such as salads, dips, and pasta dishes.

2. Kiwifruit a.k.a Kiwi

What is kiwifruit?

Kiwi fruit is a small, oval-shaped fruit with fuzzy grown skin and bright green flesh inside.

What are the health benefits of kiwifruit?

It’s a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and fiber. Eating kiwi may help boost the immune system, aid digestion, and promote heart health. They can also be helpful if you suffer from constipation and can help get things moving!

How can I enjoy kiwifruit?

You can eat kiwi on its own, slice it, and add it to salads, blend it in smoothies, or use it as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.

3. Green Tea

What is green tea?

Green tea is a type of tea that is made from Camellia sinensis leaves, which have not undergone the same withering and oxidation process used to make oolong teas and black teas.

What are the health benefits of green tea?

Green tea is known to have several health benefits due to its high content of antioxidants, which can help improve brain function, boost metabolism, and reduce the risk of various types of cancer.

How can I enjoy green tea?

To enjoy green tea, you can steep the tea leaves in hot water for a few minutes and then drink it plain or with a bit of honey or lemon juice. Some people also like to add fresh mint leaves or ginger for added flavor.

4. Green Leafy Vegetables

Think of spinach, kale, collard greens, dandelion greens, and the endless array of dark, green leafy vegetables in the produce department. If you search any dietary pattern that has clinical significance when it comes to heart health, chances are, these veggies are part of the foundation.

What are green leafy vegetables?

Green leafy vegetables are vegetables that have green leaves and are edible.

What are the health benefits of green leafy vegetables?

They are packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron. Eating green leafy vegetables can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer.

How can I prepare green leafy vegetables?

They can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as sautéed, steamed, or in salads. To prepare, wash the leaves thoroughly, remove any tough stems, and cook to your preference.

5. Fennel

What is fennel?

Fennel is a crunchy and slightly sweet vegetable that is used in Mediterranean cuisine.

What are the health benefits of fennel?

It has many healthy benefits including aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, and promoting heart health.

How do I prepare fennel?

To prepare fennel, first wash it thoroughly and remove any tough outer layers. Then, you can slice it thinly and add it to salads or as a topping for a flatbread or roast it with olive oil and herbs for a delicious side dish.

Bottom Line:

Adding green foods into your diet can offer a host of health benefits. Whether you prefer a nice, robust salad or a cup of green tea, the nutritious options to choose from are endless!