No better time than the holidays to add more Leafy Greens in, it’s festive and it’s Healthy What Leafy Greens are we talking about today? Kale- You may have heard about kale recently, as it’s quickly gaining in the ranks as one of the healthiest veggies you can eat, right up there with spinach. In fact in some areas it even outdoes spinach. Kale can be cooked and holds up to the heat much better than spinach, which ends up wilting and shrinking when cooked. Benefits: The benefits of eating leafy greens like kale is that they contain phytonutrients, special antioxidants that help the body fend of things like inflammation, and basically make you feel better both now and over the long term if eaten consistently. Spinach- Spinach is a superfood and is one of the best foods you can eat, no matter what diet you’re on. It’s packed with phytonutrients, fiber, extra minerals, and just plain helps the body. You’ll be eating your fair share of meat on this diet so it’s a good idea to pile on veggies like spinach to help with digestion and create a broad nutritional profile. Eat it fresh whenever you can, and frozen when you can’t. Organic spinach is highly preferred over conventional since spinach leaves are very absorbent. Benefits-The main benefits you’re getting from spinach have to to be its anti-cancer benefits, as well as how it contributes to overall heart health so you’re avoiding many types of heart disease. It contains a mix of antioxidants and phytonutrients that help battle the free radicals that enter the body from our modern lifestyle. It helps your overall well-being, gives you energy, and helps stabilize blood glucose levels. Brocolli- Your mother probably told you to eat your broccoli, and as it turns out she was right on this one. It’s a food that also ranks as one of the healthiest foods you can eat, period. It’s also readily available year round, and you can find it fresh or frozen. There’s almost always broccoli in the organic section of the produce department, and if there isn’t there’s usually an organic brand in the frozen veggies aisle. Benefits: Perhaps the biggest reason to be eating broccoli is because its fiber content will help keep you regular. It’s important to keep the digestive system moving because meat can fester in the intestines if you aren’t getting enough fiber to help it along. In addition to this the levels of Vitamin C are through the roof, and this is one of the most popular antioxidants that most know helps the immune system and can help you ward off colds and flus. Cabbage- Cabbage: Although paler in color than other leafy greens, this cruciferous vegetable is a great source of cancer-fighting compounds and vitamin C. One of the most versatile greens "the workhorse of the kitchen." Available in red and green varieties, cabbage can be cooked, added raw to salads or stir fries, shredded into a slaw, or made into sauerkraut. It's also a staple of St. Patrick's Day boiled suppers and can give off a strong smell when cooking. One-half cup cooked has 15 calories.