4 green vegetable recipes for a healthy diet: soup, salad and more

Whether it’s vision, immune function, skin health, or strong bones, you need to have foods that provide your body with essential vitamins and minerals. While supplements can help you get the intake you need, you should first look to natural sources for your nutritional dose. Green vegetables are one of the best sources of nutrition. Let us share with you some healthy recipes using green vegetables.

Green vegetables are quite diverse and packed with essential nutrients, says clinical nutritionist Abhilasha V. Here are some of the most popular green vegetables.

Spinach, which is rich in iron, vitamins A and K, and is a good source of antioxidants.
Broccoli has a good amount of vitamin C and fiber.
Kale is a source of nutrients with vitamins A, K and C, and minerals such as copper and potassium.
Lettuce is low in calories and a good source of vitamins A and K.
Peas provide protein, fiber and essential nutrients like vitamins K and C.
Zucchini are low in calories and a good source of vitamins A and C.
Asparagus is full of fiber as well as folic acid.
Boran is rich in fiber, vitamins A and C and is a good source of plant compounds with antioxidant properties.

Why are green vegetables good for health?

Green vegetables offer many health benefits due to their rich nutrient content. Here are some key benefits:

1. Heart health

Many green vegetables such as kale and spinach contain potassium and magnesium, which help lower blood pressure. They are also rich in fiber, promoting cardiovascular health, says the expert.

2. Bone health

Greens like broccoli and kale are excellent sources of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones.

3. Digestive health

The fiber in green vegetables aids digestion, helps prevent constipation and supports a healthy gut microbiome.

4. Weight management

Because they are low in calories and high in fiber, green vegetables can help with weight management by promoting feelings of satiety and reducing overall calorie intake.

5. Eye protection

Green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin — antioxidants that support eye health.

6. Blood sugar regulation

The fiber in green vegetables slows the absorption of sugar, contributing to better blood sugar control, says Abhilasha.

7. Immunological support

Vitamins like C and A found in green vegetables play a role in supporting the immune system, helping the body fight disease.

Healthy recipes for green vegetables

With so many health benefits, it will be hard to say no to green vegetables. Here are some interesting recipes!

1. Mushrooms stuffed with spinach and feta

Components

10 mushrooms
2 tablespoons of olive oil
2 cups chopped spinach
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Salt to taste

Method

Mix spinach with feta cheese.
Fill the mushroom caps with the mixture.
You can use olive oil and fry until the mushrooms are soft, then serve a delicious and nutritious dish as an appetizer.

2. Baby spinach and quinoa salad

Components

3 cups baby spinach
A spoonful of olive oil
One cup of quinoa
One cup of cherry tomatoes
One avocado

Method

Massage baby spinach with olive oil to soften.
Top it with cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes and avocado. If you have lemon vinaigrette, you can add that too.

3. Broccoli and Cheddar Soup

Components

One medium-sized onion
One garlic clove
One cup of chopped broccoli
Half a cup of grated cheddar
Two cups of vegetable broth
Salt to taste

Method

Fry onion and garlic, add chopped broccoli and vegetable broth.
Simmer until the vegetables are tender, then stir.
Stir in grated cheddar, season with salt and drink your comforting soup.

4. Zucchini noodles with pesto

Components

Two cups of zucchini
Two cups of basil leaves
Half a cup of Parmesan cheese
Half a cup of olive oil
A handful of cherry tomatoes

Method

Spiralize the zucchini into noodles.
Top it with homemade basil, parmesan and olive oil pesto.
Top it with cherry tomatoes for freshness.

These healthy recipes showcase the versatility of green vegetables.