Green vegetables may not be "oh so yummy", but they are great for the hair and body.SHORT BACKGROUND: Green vegetables consist of spinach, broccoli, green beans, lettuce, cabbage, asparagus, and more. They are a good source of nutrients that are critical to the health of the body and hair. It is best to choose fresh raw green vegetables over frozen, canned, and/or cooked in order to obtain the maximum nutrient content. If your palates can't handle the raw taste, then opt for steaming the green vegetables over boiling or frying.
GREEN FOR THE BODY:
Research has shown that a daily serving of leafy green vegetables may help to reduce the risk of diabetes and "fight off osteoporosis, heart disease, arthritis, and several types of cancer". Leafy green vegetables, such as spinach and asparagus, are a good source of vitamins A and C, magnesium, and folate. (NOTE: Spinach contains a substance that reduces iron and calcium absorption; thus, it is best to eat spinach with vitamin C-rich food to improve that absorption.)
GREEN FOR THE HAIR:
The vitamin A and C found in dark green vegetables (like spinach and green beans) are critical for sebum production. Sebum is an oily substance produced in each follicle to help remove dead skin cells, lubricate the scalp, and condition the hair. Additionally, there's a bit of iron and calcium in dark green vegetables which are essential for hair growth.
HOW I GET MY GREEN:
Raw red leaf lettuce; Raw fresh spinach; steamed frozen spinach; steamed frozen broccoli; One-A-Day Women's Multi-vitamin. Shopping for asparagus this week!
To see what you're getting from your green, check out www.nutritiondata.com. This site allows you to see the nutrition content of various foods.
Sources:
DIABETES & DIET
DIABETES, FRUITS, & VEGGIES
ON GREEN VEGETABLES
HAIR FOODS
IRON & HAIR LOSS
SEBUM
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