Celebrate St. Patrick's Day With These Powerful Greens

St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t have to only be about luck or throwing back pints of green beer. The colour green means a whole lot more. And we’re going to dive into the powerful greens you can consume this St. Patty’s Day - with or without the beer. Try your luck at a more healthy celebration this year.

We guarantee you’ll wake up tomorrow feeling better than if you hadn’t indulged in some good green foods (and if you took the beer out of the equation, you’d be waking up not only refreshed but also minus that day-after hangover).

Like you, we’re over the kale craze. We need something else - something more exciting. We’ve done kale chips, kale salad, and more. What other powerful greens are out there?

1. Try Collard Greens

Huh? Okay, let us explain these cool greens.

Collard greens are a relative of kale, so the apple didn’t exactly fall far from the tree. They have a texture not unlike kale.

Here’s the exciting part: yes, they’re like kale, but they have a less potent taste. So, if you’re not a fan of kale, start throwing these good greens in their place. You can add them to recipes instead of kale. You can even use this handy and powerful green as a substitute for your wrap or burrito. Not bad!

So what’s the healthy bit?

There has to be benefits, right? There are!

Collard greens offer a source of Vitamin A, Calcium, Vitamin B9, Vitamin K, and Vitamin C.

Hint: They’re especially packed with Vitamin K which aids in blood clotting and healthy bones.

2. Fill Up on Cabbage

This non-green food is sliding in here, whether you like it or not. And no, there isn’t exactly a solid green cabbage. Although, your chance of finding a green cabbage likely increases on St Patrick’s Day - if any day of the year is going to produce such a thing.

But most cabbage comes in the varieties of purple, faded green, chinese, and napa. It’s in the same family as Brussel sprouts, broccoli, and kale.

Cabbage is thought to have an array of protective properties, including preventing cancer. When fermented, it is also known to improve digestion and your immune system.

Don’t want to get sick or have an upset stomach? Eat your cabbage!

3. Go For Spinach

Spinach, like kale, has been said and done. But it doesn’t make it any less of a powerful green. Plus, it’s so so versatile! You can throw it in sauces, pasta, on pizza, into smoothies, soups, and much more. It’s the everything green.

And… it’s incredibly healthy and nutritious. One cup provides all the Vitamin K you need for the day and a significant amount of Vitamin A and manganese.

BONUS: It also has folate. Folate is important for producing red blood cells and for a healthy pregnancy.

4. Experiment with Swiss Chard

‘Swiss chard’ sounds like the opposite of appetizing - but hear us out.

Swiss chard is a dark leafy green. It’s jam-packed with antioxidants, specifically one by the name of flavonoid that helps regulate blood sugar (a plus in a world full of rising diabetes rates).

For the best swiss chard, consider steaming or boiling it. Throw it into pasta, soups, or sprinkle it with cheese and eat up!

But wait - that’s not all. Swiss chard also has Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, potassium, and manganese.

In rat studies, it’s even shown to significantly improve blood sugar levels. This one has got potential. Try it out!

5. Eat Your Beet Greens for Phytonutrients

Phytonutrients aren’t necessities in our diets. But they have their benefits. They are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. In other words, they act very protectively on the body and its tissues.

And yes, beet greens are full of ‘em!

6. Dandelions are also Powerful Greens

This is another one that may be met by blank stares. But the green root of a dandelion has proven useful in various teas. People are also said to have mixed them in their morning smoothies. Yet, experts recommend throwing in a little sweetener (such as lemon) to counteract the bitterness.

So why dandelion greens? They’ve got Vitamin A and K, and of course, like most plants, phytonutrients, which we know are great for their protective properties.

7. Not into Turnip? Try Turnip Greens Instead!

Take the leaves of a turnip plant and use it as another substitute for kale. Like other powerful greens, turnip greens are high in Vitamins K, A, and C, as well as calcium, folate, and manganese.

Researchers also believe that they reduce your risk of heart disease and that they help reduce stress throughout the body. It’s definitely one health-conscious food you’ll want to get into.

8. Stick to the Basics with Arugula

When all else fails, stick to the same ol’ good greens you know. Arugula is easily one of these powerful greens. It not only has Vitamin A and K, but also Vitamin B9. Plus, it’s a really good source of nitrates. Nitrates are thought to increase blood flow via the dilation of blood vessels. In turn, scientists suggest it also improve blood pressure levels.

It’s probably one of the easiest green foods to find. You won’t have to go on a crazy health hunt for hits one. You can most likely find it at your local grocery store.

What Are You Waiting For?

Get out there and try some of these powerful greens on this St Patrick’s Day. You won’t be testing your luck on these ones. In fact, you’ll be making your own luck. You’ll be choosing a life full of health and abundance.

Related Article: The Beginner’s Guide to Intermittent Fasting