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It’s March, which means two things: St. Patrick’s Day and Spring are both fast approaching. It also means that most of us have green on the mind. From four-leaf clovers to brightly colored drinks to blooming flowers; replacing the snow, green is all around us this time of year!
Whether you’re sporting the color on your shirt or in your garden, you’ve got to check out our list of the 9 top green vegetables for St. Patrick’s Day!
1. Kale
Kale is one of the most popular green vegetables, and for good reason! It’s low in calories, high in fiber, and has zero fat, while still having has plenty of vitamins and calcium to round out everyone’s daily dose of nutrients. Steamed kale makes a great side or make it the star of the show in a salad.
Some people find that kale is too rough when they eat it raw, but it doesn’t have to be! Massaging kale helps break down the fibers without ruining the plant. Simply grab a handful of kale and rub the leaves together until they are visibly darker, smaller, and silky – and enjoy!
2. Broccoli
Broccoli gets a bad rap as “every kid’s least favorite food,” but we think it’s wonderful! It’s a super versatile side that can be roasted, blanched, steamed, or sautéed. With a little flavorful creativity, broccoli could even become a new, healthy family favorite.
Broccoli is great for dinner, and it’s even better for health. This green is full of fiber, potassium, and vitamins C and K (which helps improve blood clotting). Additionally, it helps build collagen for healthy skin, improved muscle and bone strength, and quicker healing.
3. Brussels Sprouts
What’s loaded with protein, fiber, and vitamin A? Brussels sprouts! They’re tasty, bite-sized vegetables perfect as a side or just as a healthy snack during the day.
Brussels sprouts can also help protect against cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Regular consumption can help people improve their digestive health thanks to glucosinolates, which strengthen the lining of the digestive tract while helping detoxify the body!
4. Lettuce
Lettuce is a staple of salads everywhere. Many of us already eat this leafy green vegetable on a regular basis, do you know the health benefits?
Lettuce contains moisture which can help cool and hydrate while providing a strong boost of energy. An extract of lettuce also protects neurons, leading to improved brain functioning. People who eat lettuce tend to sleep better and see reduced levels of anxiety because of its extract boasting anxiolytic properties. So next time you’re out to eat, opt for the side salad, you’ll be glad you did!
5. Cabbage
Cabbage is THE green vegetable for St. Patrick’s Day. Not only does it go great with corned beef, it goes great with a healthy lifestyle. Since it’s loaded with antioxidants, vitamins C and K, potassium, and glutamine, it’s a perfect package of health benefits: treating headaches, infections, preventing cancer, and promoting weight loss.
Make cabbage a part of your meals on St. Patrick’s Day, but be sure to have it throughout the year, too!
6. Celery
Celery is the perfect snack when you’ve got health goals in mind…or anytime, for that matter! They have great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and are mostly water which can help keep people hydrated. Additionally, they’re high in dietary fiber which means eating more than 1 cup of celery can boost digestion and weight loss.
When the hunger pangs hit, grab some celery! Adding a little peanut butter can help keep you full and give you a boost of energy from the added protein.
7. Spinach
Popeye was right – spinach is amazing! It’s low in fat and cholesterol and contains nutrients that benefit the entire body, like vitamin A and C, calcium, and iron. It has been shown to help the cardiovascular system, brain function, and memory while lowering high blood pressure and decreasing colon cancer risk.
Whether you sauté it, steam it, or eat it raw, be sure to add spinach to your next meal!
8. Zucchini
Zucchini is one of the best bariatric-friendly green vegetables because it can replace so many empty carbs. Instead of pasta, zoodles are a low-carb option full of flavor. You can even turn them into tortillas for your next taco night.
Not only are they versatile, but they’re low in calories and sugars while remaining high in vitamin C and A and potassium. This means they promote healthy blood pressure, cardiovascular health, speedy tissue recovery, strong skin, and good vision!
9. Bell Peppers
Our last vegetable isn’t always green, but it’s always delicious. Bell peppers come in green, yellow, orange, and red, but they all share the same health benefits. They are 92% water which means they’re crisp, refreshing, and can provide a boost of energy. Along with water, one bell pepper boasts 200% of your daily vitamin C intake, and are a great source of vitamin A, antioxidants, folates, and lycopene. Together, these nutrients help avoid anemia, support night vision, promote iron absorption, and prevent prostate and lung cancer.
Come to NYBG
When it’s time to start a successful weight-loss journey, it’s time to call NYBG! We’re the best practice around and our numbers prove it:
- 9 skilled surgeons who are leaders in bariatrics
- 15,000 successful procedures performed with more every day
- The #1 gastric balloon practice by volume – most balloons placed in the United States
- 24/7 access to online seminars
- 100s of videos for patients explaining procedures, answering common questions, and showcasing previous patients
- Since 2000, we boast 18 years of success!
Our commitment to patient success and excellence has earned us accreditation from the Metabolic Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). This prestigious achievement recognizes only the top bariatric practices. Stop waiting; start achieving better health today.
