At Austin CyberKnife, we encourage patients to make healthy choices that will benefit them long after treatment is over. To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year, we’re not only celebrating our CyberKnife decked in green, but we’re also eating green too!
If you’re aiming for a healthier lifestyle consider incorporating leafy greens to increase intake of vitamins and antioxidants and decrease the risk of heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers.
Add these leafy greens to your grocery list to keep you healthy and happy on St. Patrick’s Day and beyond!
- Spinach: Spinach is known to carry the most folate, a B vitamin that can protect against development of breast cancer. In addition, spinach’s high potassium levels assist with muscle function and maintaining a healthy blood pressure.
- Swiss Chard: The amount of vitamin K in this green helps to maintain proper blood clotting and increase bone strength. According to recent research, chard could also reduce the risk of a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
- Arugula: A common and easy to find green that serves as a good source of calcium and natural nitrates to increase muscle blood flow.
- Kale: This green is considered a superfood thanks to the amount of lutein, beta-carotene and vitamin C helping to protect eyesight.
When prepping your meal plan to include these greens, be sure to vary the ways you work them into your meal to avoid boredom with your diet.
This is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your health care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor.