WELLNESS BY ALLISON KAY BANNISTER
GET YOUR GREENS!
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As we leap into February, hearts surround us: in the stores, in our feeds, in every corner of our
lives. Yes, yes. We get it. Valentine’s Day is coming and love is in the air. And, while not all of us may
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have affection for that aspect of this second month of the year, all of these motifs are also a gentle reminder to take care of our hearts—in all ways! It’s no mistake that February was chosen as Heart Health Month; it’s simply hard to ignore. Given that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally, according to data from the
World Health Organization, and no. 1 for women in the U.S. per the CDC, heart health should be top of mind. And, though red may be the color du jour, green is the real darling, not just for our hearts, but for our entire bodies. We’re talking about leafy greens, here, and—wow—can they pack a punch. True superfoods filled
with an array of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, leafy greens can reduce a number of disease
HOLLY DYKSTRA
risks, boost immunity, and support gut, bone, and skin health, among other benefits. They’re also
The GR Dietician
high in fiber and low in energy, making them ideal for incorporating into our daily meals. To help us understand these powerhouses better, we talked with Holly Dykstra, also known as The GR Dietitian. Dykstra, who worked with Corewell Health for more than a decade before starting her own private practice, is a registered dietitian and a certified intuitive eating specialist. She has all the details on greens, from what they do to how to get more of them. When it comes to leafy greens, there are the usual suspects, such as spinach and kale, but Dykstra reminds us: there are plenty of others, including collard greens, arugula, swiss chard, microgreens, cabbage, endive, and even romaine lettuce. She also notes that a number of herbs fit the leafy green category, like basil, parsley, cilantro, tarragon, and mint—to name a few. “All of these leafy greens have incredible nutrient density, but there are slight differences between each of them, and a lot of times it comes down to the different phytonutrients that they offer,” Dykstra said. “All of the nutrients found in them can really help with cellular protection. They help to maintain DNA integrity, support DNA repair processes, and reduce the risk of oxidative stress and DNA damage. Just from a general aging standpoint, they’re going to help a lot.” In addition, she notes that leafy greens not only improve heart health, they also reduce the risk of other chronic diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Headshot © Amanda Kamppinen of Arrae Photography