Okay, so you’ve probably heard this time and time again but this time you’re really going to listen (*read). Ready? You need to consume more greens! Not only are leafy greens packed with vitamins, minerals,fibre and are a fantastic boost of energy but they are also essential for muscular endurance. Oxygen explains the ‘why’ behind consuming more greens and the ‘how’ to get them into your diet today!
Sure, green leafy vegetables provide us with chlorophyll, the wonderful bone builder and powerful antioxidant. We all know it’s a superfood, but what about our muscular endurance? Is it really possible to sculpt our bodies using these highly nutritious greens whilst warding off infection and disease?
Some green leafy veggies even give us the gift of vitamins B5 and B6, essential for the metabolism of protein, and the immune and nervous systems.
These are some of the powerhouses that provide us with easy-to-eat, hard-to-beat nutrients that create the lean, healthy bodies we all wish for! In addition to these wonderful traits, green leafy veggies are also known to help fight disease and prevent illness. As athletes (and we are all athletes in our own right!), we know how important it is to keep the body moving and able - and this is nobody’s responsibility but our own.
Harvard Health agrees: “Eating plenty of vegetables and fruits can help you ward off heart disease and stroke, control blood pressure, prevent some types of cancer, avoid a painful intestinal ailment called diverticulitis, and guard against cataracts and macular degeneration, two common causes of vision loss.”
Although all fruits and vegetables likely contribute to this benefit, it is documented that green leafy vegetables - such as lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, and mustard greens; cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts, bok-choy, and kale; and citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit (and their juices) - make important contributions.
And it’s not just the raw foodies singing “go green!”; doctors all over the world are now prescribing organic food to their patients in an effort to see long-term results (finally!).
This story is from the Issue 96 edition of Oxygen Magazine Australia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 96 edition of Oxygen Magazine Australia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Doctor's Guide To Plant-based Nutrition
Are you getting enough protein? Switching to a plant-based diet certainly has its benefits, but doing it safely is something many overlook. Oxygen’s resident doctor and Sumo Salad Ambassador Dr Zac unpacks the facts and shares his tips for the transition to a plant-based diet.
Fit Pregnancy Tips From A Fitness Model Mum
The female body is an incredible machine of restoration and resilience. And while it is certainly necessary to slow down as our bodies experience the changes of pregnancy, humans were built to move. Oxygen ambassador Amelia Ricci reminds us why moving our bodies shouldn’t cease after conception.
Setting The Record Straight On Hemp
What was once a controversial crop and is now commonplace in every hipster café across the country, hemp was given the green light in Australia in late 2017 and for good reason. Emerging from the shadow of its whacky cousin, Oxygen has the lowdown on why this superfood deserves its time in the spotlight.
Codeine who?
Natural Alternatives to Pain Medication.
Happy Hormones
The relationship between our health goals and our hormones can sometimes be a little testing and they don’t always get along. However like any relationship there has to be an understanding by both parties of each other's needs, in order to co-exist in harmony. Our hormones are in charge of many essential bodily systems and functions, so any type of hormonal imbalance can wreak havoc on your body and mind. Don’t fear, Oxygen could be your hormone ‘relationship guru’.
Top 10 Things You'll Wish You Knew Sooner About Acupuncture
A key component in traditional Chinese medicine, you probably think you know what acupuncture is... ‘little needles that help with muscle pain and recovery, right?’ Well there is more to this ancient healthcare system than meets the eye, and Dr Greg from Aus Acu helps explain the all round benefits.
The Benefits Of Black Beans
Discover why you should learn to love these legumes.
Eat To Reduce Inflammation
Firstly, it’s important to clarify that inflammation is an important part of your body to heal and repair damage. Without inflammation, your body would not heal itself properly after an injury or sickness. Inflammation is also a normal part of exercise: when you train your muscle fibres, they tear… and inflammation is part of growing and repairing muscle cells. The problem with inflammation is when it occurs long-term; this is called chronic inflammation. It can result in many unwanted consequences, one of which is a reduced quality of life with increased stress in your body and mind as well as being a barrier to a healthy weight. So, what can you do to manage inflammation?
Protein + Oats = Proats
Here in Australia we sure do love to shorten names, and breakfast food is no exception (eggs benny, anyone?). If you haven’t heard the term ‘proats’ before, I’m sure you can probably guess what they are. Protein + oats = proats! And, true to form here at Oxygen, we’ve broken down the nutritional benefits for our readers and included some tasty winter-warming recipes. Yum!
Your 15-minute DIY Health Check At Home
You’ve got 15 minutes; 15 minutes to get a ‘health check’. You might only get one chance in your busy schedule to sort out what’s going on ‘under the bonnet’ (so to speak), once a year! What on earth should you ask your doctor during those precious 15 minutes, that will give you peace of mind for the year ahead? I’ve come up with a little list to get you started: boobs, butt, baby.
