Reasons why Swiss chard deserves a spot on your plate
Swiss chard is becoming increasingly popular among health enthusiasts. This leafy green vegetable is packed with nutrients, making it a fantastic addition to your diet. Its colorful veins and stalks bring not just visual appeal but also a range of health benefits to the plate. From strengthening bones to helping in digestion, let us explore five ways this veggie can boost your overall well-being.
Chard may help lower your blood pressure
Chard is rich in nitrates, which are believed to have a positive impact on blood pressure and the health of our blood vessels. But that is not all - just one cup of raw Swiss chard contains 29 mg of magnesium. This mineral is renowned for its ability to relax muscles, making it potentially beneficial for individuals with high blood pressure.
It may help lower blood sugar levels
The leaves of Swiss chard contain a powerful antioxidant called alpha-lipoic acid. This antioxidant can help manage diabetes, make insulin work better, and protect against harmful effects caused by oxidative stress in the body. Studies even suggest that it may reduce symptoms of nerve problems and protect against damage to blood vessels in the eyes.
It can boost your bone health
Chard is a fantastic source of vitamin K. Just one cup of raw chard provides a whopping 298.8 mcg, three times the recommended daily intake. Vitamin K plays a crucial role in maintaining strong bones and reducing the risk of fractures. In addition to that, that same cup of chard provides 18 mg of calcium, which is highly crucial for bone health.
Chard can potentially improve your athletic performance
Research has found that consuming dietary nitrates, found in chard, can enhance the supply of oxygen to muscles during exercise. This suggests that increasing nitrate intake may improve endurance during long-term exercise. Moreover, the positive impact of nitrates on the cardiovascular system can potentially enhance the quality of life for individuals with cardiovascular, respiratory, or metabolic diseases.
May help in fighting cancer
`Swiss chard contains chlorophyll, a natural pigment that facilitates photosynthesis in plants. Chlorophyll found in these leafy green vegetables has been found to potentially help prevent the formation of cancer-causing compounds called heterocyclic amines. By including leafy greens and other vegetables rich in chlorophyll, you may be able to reduce some of the harmful effects that can increase the risk of cancer.
