She Strengthens

Unlock the Power of Collard Greens: A Nutritional Superstar

Collard greens are often overlooked, but these humble vegetables are packed with vitamins, fiber, and essential nutrients that can boost your overall health. From improving bone density and heart health to enhancing skin and hair, collard greens are a nutritional powerhouse.

The Health Benefits of Collard Greens

Research has shown that collard greens may provide numerous health benefits, including:

• Anticancer properties
• Bone health
• Liver protection
• Improved blood sugar control
• Healthy digestion
• Glowing skin and hair
• Better sleep
• Improved mood

Bone Health

Collard greens are an excellent source of vitamin K, essential for bone health. A deficiency in vitamin K can increase the risk of osteoporosis, a disease that affects bone density. With 609 micrograms of vitamin K in one cup of boiled collards, you’ll get your daily fill and then some.

Anticancer Properties

Studies have found that eating cruciferous vegetables like collard greens may lower the risk of prostate and lung cancers. Compounds called glucosinolates may be the key to this benefit, although more research is needed to fully understand their effectiveness.

Healthy Blood Sugar Control

Collard greens are rich in fiber, containing 5.59 grams per cup. Fiber has been shown to help reduce inflammation in people with type 1 diabetes and regulate blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes.

Liver Protection

A study found that a diet including 4% collard greens helped change the makeup of liver fatty acids, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Healthy Digestion

Fiber is essential for gut health, and collard greens have plenty of it. They can help you poop like a champ, no morning coffee and cigarette needed!

Glowing Skin and Hair

Collard greens are loaded with vitamin A, essential for skin and hair growth. They also contain vitamin C, which supports collagen production, and iron, which can help prevent hair loss.

Better Sleep and Mood

Collard greens provide folate, which may help alleviate depression symptoms. A nutritious diet rich in vegetables like collard greens is crucial for overall mental health.

Nutrition

One cup of cooked, fresh collards packs a punch with:

• Vitamin K: 609 micrograms
• Fiber: 5.59 grams
• Vitamin A: 35 milligrams
• Vitamin C: 35 milligrams
• Iron: 2.5 milligrams

Cooking and Storage Tips

Use collard greens in creative ways, such as wraps, sandwiches, salads, soups, stews, and stir-fries. Store fresh collard greens in the fridge for 4-5 days. Steam them for 10 minutes to retain vitamins and nutrients, or go raw and add them to your favorite green smoothie.

Collard Green Chips Recipe

Looking for a healthier alternative to potato chips? Try making collard green chips! Simply remove the thick inner stems, toss with olive oil, and bake at 275°F for 15-30 minutes until crispy. Cover with your favorite spices for a delicious snack.

Recipes and Inspiration

Get inspired with these recipes and ideas:

• Authentic Southern collard greens
• Martha Stewart’s sautéed collard greens with garlic
• Slow cooker collard greens and ham hocks
• Stuffed collard greens
• Vegan coconut curried greens
• Creamed collard greens with peanut and chili
• Softshell crab sandwich with collard slaw
• Mean green collard terrine

Takeaway

Collard greens are more than just a basic Christmas dinner side dish. They’re a nutritional superstar, packed with benefits for the body and brain. Incorporate them into your diet in creative ways to unlock their full potential.