Power Up Your Salad with Greater Flavor and Health Benefits with These Easy-to-Love Power Greens.

I bet you can close your eyes, go back in time….and hear your mother’s voice telling you to eat your vegetables. Listen up! That is some good (actually, GREAT) advice. But today we know that you don’t just need to eat your veggies, you need to diversify – think outside of the box and fill your plate with all sorts of different veggies. I’ve noticed that while many of my clients are gung-ho for vegetables, they are still missing out on some awesome opportunities to max-out their cancer fighting diet. Here are 5 amazing ‘power greens’ that may not be part of your routine yet – but they should be!

Beet Greens

Beet greens are a rich source of Vitamin A,which supports good vision and a healthy immune system. Plus, the AICR (American Institute for Cancer Research) calls out beet greens as a particularly great source of antioxidant-rich vitamin C (which is associated with lower cancer risk).

Power Tip: Add them to your smoothies, soups or sauté them with other veggies.

Celery Leaves

I bet you throw these away – Don’t! Celery leaves pack at least 5 times the amount of calcium as the stalks. And there’s even more: these nutrient-rich leaves also boast the phytonutrient flavonoids apigenin and lutein, which some studies show could potentially lower risk of breast cancer!

Power Tip: Coarsely chop celery greens and sprinkle over dishes to add bright color and light celery flavor.

Cilantro

This tasty source of iron and magnesium can help fight anemia, relieve stomach gas and may even help lower cholesterol! Some studies have also shown that cilantro has antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Cilantro’s cancer-fighting powers come from its rich array of antioxidants, which may help reduce the cellular damage that leads to cancer.

Power Tip: Stir this low-cost green into various dishes, and add a handful to salads and soups. Or, if you’re feeling a little bloat-y, take a generous handful and steep it in 3 cups of hot water for 15 minutes.

Dandelion Greens

Dandelion greens are a vitamin and mineral powerhouse, more so than even broccoli or spinach! Plus, these greens have diuretic properties that may help as a quick-fix de-bloater! Finally, dandelion greens are one of the only vegetables to contain powerful prebiotics, natural fibers that feeds your gut and may help reduce your breast cancer risk.

Power up: You’ve heard of kale chips…..Dandelion chips are just as delish!

Parsley

More than just a decoration, this herb deserves your full attention! Parsley comes loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Parsley is especially high in apigenin, a flavonoid that  may help protect from breast cancer.

Power up: Try blending parsley into your smoothies and soups.

Here is a parting “food for thought” I want you to think about – Think of your anti-breast cancer eating plan as you would an investment portfolio – diversification is key! These veggies may not be your standard go-to’s, but they will add daily power to your diet. Can you think of any other ‘power greens’ you may be overlooking? There are so many  options out there – go forth and go green!