We all know we should be eating a diet consisting of colorful, varied fruit and vegetables. Leafy green vegetables provide a range of health benefits as part of a balanced diet. Green veg is high in antioxidants, minerals, fiber, and much more. They keep you hydrated and can even make you feel happier.

1) High in Antioxidants

Green vegetables are rich in vitamin A – good for building your body’s natural defenses, vitamin C for healthy skin and bones, and vitamin K to help your body heal itself quickly when necessary. In addition to these vitamins, beautiful green veg is also rich in potassium and iron.

2) Full of Minerals

Green leafy vegetables, particularly spinach, are known for being high in magnesium. Magnesium is a mineral necessary for maintaining muscle health, as well as bone formation – helping the absorption of calcium.

3) A Natural Source of Fibre

Greens are a brilliant source of natural fiber, aiding digestion and slowing the rate at which your body absorbs sugar. This prevents sharp rises in blood glucose.

4) Improves Your Metabolism

As leafy, crunchy fresh greens are high in iron and fiber, they naturally improve our metabolism and keep the production of our red blood cells at a healthy rate. So, pile your plate high!

5) Makes You Feel Fuller for Longer

As high fiber vegetables, greens are the perfect solution for rumbling stomachs. The more you eat, the less likely you are to reach for the junk in the cupboard!

6) Protects Your Eyes

As mentioned previously, Lutein and zeaxanthin, plant pigments found in dark green leafy vegetables are said to have beneficial effects on your eyes’ macular pigment levels when eating at least 10mg a day.

7) Edible Sun Protection

Now don’t go throwing away your sunscreen just yet – we’re not saying your green veg is a substitute! However, it is said to increase your body’s natural defenses against sun damage and even repair, thanks to your green vegetables’ vitamin content, folic acid, and beta-carotene.

8) Lifts Your Mood

Your green leafy vegetables are a great source of folate, and as this contributes to serotonin production, you may find your mood lifting.

9) Keeps You Hydrated

Finally, green vegetables contain a lot of water, which means adding them to your plate helps to keep you hydrated, maintaining healthy skin and hair.

10) Memory prolongers

One study of adults with an average age of 81 found those who ate one to two daily servings of green leafy vegetables had the cognitive function of a person 11 years younger, compared with those who avoided them. This was probably due to the folate, beta-carotene, and vitamin K that leafy greens contain.