Why go green?
While it's no secret that green fruit and vegies are good for you. Here are some of the reasons we love our greens:
They keep you healthy
A diet rich in fruit and vegetables can help ward off all kinds of health conditions. Green fruit and vegies have some of the highest rates of vitamins and minerals, boosting iron, Vitamin C and Vitamin D better than any others.
They keep you trim
Green fruit and vegetables boast a low energy density, meaning they'll fill you up without adding lots of kilojoules to your diet.
They're full of antioxidants
Exposure to pollutants, known as free radicals, has been linked to cancer, heart disease, eye disease and a range of other illnesses. This is where green fruit and vegetables come in as they boast some of the highest rates of antioxidants and help the body protect itself.
1. Spinach
Follow Popeye's example and make sure your diet is rich in spinach. All varieties are incredibly good for you, boasting some of the highest rates of iron, Vitamin C and dietary fibre of all the vegies.
2. Broccoli
One of nature's superfoods, broccoli is ideal in a range of dishes from Asian-inspired stir-fries to Italian vegetable bakes. However, it's particularly well suited to pasta dishes, and tends to be a favourite of even the youngest eaters. Look for broccoli with tight, compact heads and a deep green colour. Take care not to overcook broccoli as it easily become waterlogged and bitter.
3. French beans
Green beans are one of spring's best green vegetables – perfect for salads and requiring little more than a quick blanch in salted water. To retain their vibrant green colour and extensive vitamins and minerals, make sure you cook them for no longer than 5 minutes.
4. Salad
Everyone needs a simple green salad to turn to throughout the year, and this one's a winner. This recipe is highly adaptable as you can use whatever's in the garden. Feel free to add plenty of fresh leafy herbs to the mix to boost the flavours and make the salad shine.
5. Kiwifruit
Not everything that's green is a vegetable – a perfect example is kiwifruit. This refreshing fruit is ideal for topping a cake or pavlova, turning into a juice or adding to a marinade. They are also incredibly good for you, far surpassing the orange in their Vitamin C levels. In fact, just one kiwifruit contains more than a day's supply of Vitamin C.
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