Vim & Vigor - Winter 2013 - Gwinnett Medical Center - (Page 22)

W hat if you could ﬁll your plate to overflowing-even go back for seconds-and be healthier? Well, you can! Grab the nearest green vegetable and start noshing. "Vegetables in general are good for you, no matter what color they are," says Bethany Thayer, a registered dietitian and a spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. "But green vegetables in particular are good sources of vitamins A, C and K as well as potassium." That means that when it comes to your greens, there's no such thing as too much. These six superstars can do everything from reduce your risk of cancer to boost your bone health. And, to misquote Lucy Ricardo's immortal Vitameatavegamin commercial, "They're so tasty, too!" Brussels Sprouts 1 Kale Why it's good for you: Kale is the king of superfoods. "One serving will give you all the vitamin A and K you need for the day," Thayer says. In fact, one serving of raw kale gives you 525 percent of your daily dose of vitamin K, which is great for bone health. It's also a good source of calcium, folate and potassium. What it tastes like: Expect it to be deep, earthy and slightly bitter, although the smaller leaves can be milder. How to eat it: Remove ribs and use it in place of your usual go-to leafy green (such as romaine or spinach). Put it in salads, on burgers or in an omelet. Feeling adventurous? Roast the leaves to make kale chips. 22 WINTE R 2 013 Why they're good for you: The long maligned martyr of the produce aisle, Brussels sprouts offer all the beneﬁts a good cruciferous veggie should: antioxidants, vitamin C, folate and more. They will last up to one week when stored in the refrigerator. What they taste like: Think of them as mini cabbages. "They have a negative connotation, but they're really, really good," Thayer says. How to eat them: If you think you know Brussels sprouts, think again: Drizzle them with olive oil and rice vinegar, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Roast in the oven at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. You'll discover a whole new delicious side of these small green globes. 2

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Winter 2013 - Gwinnett Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2013 - Gwinnett Medical Center
Contents
Phil’s Feature
Heartfelt Purpose
Not Too Busy to Beat Cancer
Got Excuses?
Managing Your Health with a DIY Tool Kit
Is It the Stress Talking?
The Wonderful World of Greens
Knee-to-Know Basics
On the Cover
Run for Your Life
14 Good-for-You Gifts
Special Delivery
Virtual Health
PrimeTime Health
Inspired Giving
Heads Full of Hope
Out of the White
Transforming Healthcare

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2013 - Gwinnett Medical Center