Bringing the Green Leafy Folate Boost back!!
Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and broccoli, are incredibly nutritious and offer a wide range of health benefits. These vegetables are a great source of vitamins and minerals, including folate, which is essential for the proper development and function of the body.
Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is vital for cell growth and division. It is particularly important for pregnant women, as it helps to prevent birth defects in the baby’s brain and spine. Additionally, folate plays a key role in the production of red blood cells and the metabolism of homocysteine, an amino acid that, when elevated, has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
Eating a diet rich in green leafy vegetables can also help to lower the risk of certain types of cancer, such as breast and colorectal cancer. This is likely due to the high levels of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds found in these foods. Green leafy folate are also low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight. Furthermore, they’re low in glycemic index, which can help to regulate blood sugar levels and can be beneficial for those with diabetes.
Green Smoothie Recipe:
- 1 cup packed fresh spinach
- 1/2 ripe banana
- 1/2 avocado
- 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. You can add more almond milk if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Nutritional Breakdown
- Spinach is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C and folic acid as well as being a good source of manganese, magnesium, iron and vitamin B2. Spinach is also low in calories, with 1 cup of raw spinach only containing 7 calories.
- Bananas are a good source of potassium, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. They also provide dietary fiber and sugar, and contains about 105 calories per medium-sized fruit.
- Avocados are an excellent source of healthy fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. They are also a good source of potassium, vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin B5 and vitamin B6, avocado contains around 322 calories per fruit.
- Berries contain a variety of vitamins, including vitamin C and vitamin K, as well as antioxidants. Berries are also low in calories, with 1/2 cup of mixed berries containing around 25 calories.
- Almond milk is a good source of calcium, vitamin D, and other minerals such as Magnesium and Potassium, also low in calories with 30-50 calories per cup, depending on the brand and fortification.
- Vanilla extract contains very small amounts of a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B and potassium, and it is also low in calories.