Did you know there is enormous benefit in eating bitter greens? I’m in LOVE with the variety of leafy greens I’ve got going in my Gardyn indoor hydroponic garden tower. Josh (husband) will put literally any green in his smoothie but I think the tatsoi is the best for that. I chopped all of this up the other night and split it between our burrito bowls. Fresh greens are such an important thing to have in your diet especially bitter greens!
Here are a few benefits of eating bitter greens:
- Nutrient-dense. Bitter greens are packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium, calcium, and magnesium. They are also low in sodium and high in fiber.
- Antioxidant-rich. Dark green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage, are powerful sources of antioxidants, vitamins, polyphenols, and flavonoids. Antioxidants protect our cells from damage, preventing chronic disease, cognitive decline, and signs of aging like wrinkles.
- Detoxification. They are a good source of glutathione, which is an essential source for detoxification of the liver pathway. So, consuming bitter greens will help the liver to eliminate toxins from the body.
- Support gut health and digestion. Research shows that eating a plant-based diet helps support a healthy gut microbiome—meaning that it provides a diverse range of “good” bacteria. Cruciferous vegetables, including bitter leafy greens, are excellent choices for providing prebiotic material to sustain gut health.
- Packed with fiber. Not only do bitter greens aid in digestion, but they are also high in fiber. Dietary fiber in the form of vegetables and fruits provides considerable health benefits, including better digestion and absorption of nutrients.
The fact that all of this is non-GMO and was grown directly in my dining room is just icing on the cake. I cannot speak any higher of the Gardyn hydroponic garden tower. It takes the guesswork out of growing your own food. We are beyond happy with it.
Be sure to leave a comment or shoot me an email if you have questions or try this out for yourself! I’d love to hear about it.
xoxo,
Aleah