Food 2. Leafy Green Vegetables: The Green Troopers
Leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, and collard greens are the green troopers of a heart-healthy diet. These nutrient-dense veggies are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help protect the heart and provide numerous other health benefits.
The dark green color of these vegetables is a sign of their high nutrient content. They are packed with vitamin K, which helps protect your arteries and promotes proper blood clotting. Additionally, they are high in dietary fiber, which has been linked to lower rates of heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions.
Studies have shown that a higher intake of leafy green vegetables is associated with a lower risk of heart disease. One study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that people who ate eight or more servings of fruit and vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables, had a 30% lower risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
Adding these greens to your diet can be as simple as adding a handful of spinach to your smoothie, preparing a kale salad for lunch, or adding collard greens to a hearty soup. Make sure to mix and match your greens to get a variety of nutrients. (2)
