Why You Need Extra Greens in Winter

Although we may be edging our way into spring in the UK, the dark evenings and cold temperatures are still with us, casting a wintry chill over everything. During the colder months, it’s more important than ever to ensure we have a steady supply of greens in our diet because the body is naturally more vulnerable to the plethora of bugs and germs that are more easily able to take hold. Add to that our naturally lowered immune system and it's clear we can all reap the rewards of extra greens. For an easy way to get your daily dose of spinach, kale, spirulina and more (aka the good stuff) our Essential Greens is a must-try. As well as being loaded with plenty of green goodness, the blend also contains digestive enzymes and prebiotics for extra digestibility and gut health support.

Greens are a great source of fibre

Fibre is an essential part of a good diet but unfortunately most of us are deficient in it thanks to modern eating habits. Not only does fibre help keep your digestive system and bowels in good shape, but it can also help regulate blood sugar levels and ensure you feel satiated for longer. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli are great sources of fibre alongside green powerhouse, kale.

Greens are loaded with vitamins

Greens come ready packed with a full roster of vitamins and minerals, all of which are essential in optimising and maintaining overall health. as well as being great sources of iron which carries oxygen throughout the body, they’re also rich I vitamin A, C, E and K, all of which protect and repair against cellular damage. Case in point: One serving of kale contains all the vitamin A, C and K you need for the day. Many leafy greens are also full of important B vitamins, calcium, copper, potassium and magnesium. Then there are the antioxidants like quercetin and kaempferol which are essential in fighting free radical damage and keeping your immune system strong.

Greens contain phytonutrients

Phytonutrients are plant chemicals that play several important roles in helping to keep the body healthy. As well as boosting the immune system and reducing damaging inflammation, they promote healthy cellular growth and can help reduce the risk of cancer. Eating a diet full of plants can also improve digestion, increase energy levels and help you sleep better, and improve and reduce feelings of anxiety. You can tell which vegetables are high in phytonutrients just from looking at them; the richer and darker the pigment, the more they tend to have, so include plenty of kale, beetroot, tomatoes, spinach and avocados in your diet,

Greens contain calcium

Leafy greens like winter greens and collard greens are packed full of the essential mineral calcium. Calcium is essential for bone health, muscle contraction and nerve transmission and plays an important role in blood clotting and healthy heart rhythms. Although most people might associate calcium with dairy products, leafy greens are abundant sources; just 190g of collard greens contains 27% of all the calcium you need in one day.