Leafy greens are from the cruciferous vegetable family. Leafy greens, such as kale, collards, broccoli and spinach, are some of the most nutrient-dense foods. This means that per bite, they contain more nutrients than most foods or other vegetables. The nutrients, including fiber and enzymes, in the leafy greens help to support fat burning and detoxification in the body.
Cruciferous Green Vegetables
Cruciferous greens, such as kale, collards and broccoli, are leafy greens that can be cooked or eaten raw. Cruciferous greens contain fiber, vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, B, C, E and K, which support overall health, immunity and promote detox. They are some of the most nutrient-dense foods, which mean that each calorie is packed with more vitamins and minerals than most other foods. These greens are high in fiber and low in calories, which help you feel full longer and can lead to weight loss and reduced cravings.
Spinach
Spinach is another leafy green, also called a "superfood" because of the amount of antioxidants it contains. Spinach is high in vitamins A, K and B, as well as calcium, iron and fiber. Along with being high in nutrients, spinach is low in calories, just like the other greens. The combination of high fiber and low calories allows you to stay full and lose weight, while still consuming a large amount of vitamins and minerals. Spinach helps to detoxify the body and burn fat by keeping you energized and satisfied for longer.
Fiber
Leafy greens, including cruciferous greens and spinach, are full of fiber. Fiber is an essential part of detoxification and fat burning. It gathers all the toxins and leftover pieces of food, after the nutrients have been absorbed, and pushes them out of the body via the bowels. Because fiber bulks together with the rest of the food, it digests slowly. This means it stays in your system longer, which makes you feel more full. The more full you feel, the less hungry you are. And if you eat less than you burn because you aren't so hungry, you can start burning fat, too. Not to mention that because these power-packed greens are so nutrient dense, you don't have to worry about not eating enough vitamins and minerals even if you cut back on your diet.
Enzymes and Nutrients
Leafy greens are full of enzymes and nutrients that promote overall health and detoxification. Enzymes are nutrients in foods that help breakdown food for digestion and help organs, such as the liver, to function properly. These nutrients promote overall health through increased energy in Vitamin B, increased immunity in Vitamin C and decreased blood clotting in Vitamin K. When the body is healthier, it is better able to burn fat and remove toxins from the system.
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Writer Bio
Jessi Andricks is a yoga teacher, personal trainer, and group fitness instructor. Andricks is also a certified green living expert and Health Coach. She combines her expertise in these areas of to help people learn to live healthy, energetic lives.