What Are Supergreens?

You may have heard the term “supergreens” get thrown around lately. This refers to a variety of vegetables, grasses, and other greens that come packed with nutrients. Many of them are quite versatile, making for great additions to soups, salads, or shakes, and they could help you fill in some gaps in your diet and get more of the nutrients that you need. Here are some that you might want to look out for when you visit the local organic farmers market.

Kale

This is one of the most popular types of supergreens around thanks to its versatility and high nutritional value. Kale can be used in salads, cooked into side dishes, or used in healthy smoothies. Each green leaf is full of flavonoids, omega-3 fatty acids, and lutein, which is great for eye health. Each scoop of kale also has plenty of vitamin K to offer as well. This supergreen can even help fight the aging process as it protects cells from the damage that comes from “free radicals,” particles that can speed up aging.

Spinach

Another versatile supergreen, spinach can be used in salads or even eaten by itself when prepared right. It’s full of protein, fiber, beta carotene, another substance that’s good for eye health. It’s also a great source of vitamins, specifically vitamins A, C, E, and K. Spinach can provide all of these nutrients and even help lower your risk of developing cancer later on in life, so make it a staple of your diet.

Barley Grass

Barley grass is a supergreen that primarily helps out your digestive system. It’s a great source of fiber and good for gut health, which means that it can help your digestive system continue to run smoothly. It also contains saponins, which can help with liver health, and some studies have even linked it to a resistance to the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

Broccoli

Broccoli can be eaten on its own, served with pasta, or prepared in a variety of other ways, but no matter what it’s always full of nutrients that you need. This supergreen is rich in vitamins K and D, which help boost bone health. Broccoli also helps promote better gut health. Additionally, the glucosinolates found in broccoli and a few other veggies can help you reduce your risk of developing cancer.

Wheat Grass

Here’s another grass that you can feel good about eating. Wheatgrass goes great in any healthy smoothie and has plenty of nutrients to add to one, including vitamin C and a host of antioxidants. If you’re looking to boost your immune system, this supergreen has you covered.

Oat Grass

If wheatgrass is for boosting your immune system, oat grass is for boosting brain health. More studies need to be shown to show why, but this supergreen has been linked to better cognitive function and stress reduction. Adding some oat grass to your shake or smoothie could help shake you out of those midweek doldrums.

Add Some Supergreens to Your Routine

If you’re looking for a new source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to add to your healthy diet, supergreens could be the way to go. Experiment with some of the ones we listed above, and then visit the Organic Restaurants website and blog for more healthy eating ideas.