La Vie en Vert

Happy St. Patty’s Day! In the spirit of leprechauns and four leaf clovers and my very Irish Family, I thought it would be nice to reflect on few reasons to LOVE green:

Reason #1: Green Tea Gains
Drinking green tea has been shown to reduce the risk of arthritis, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and some cancers. Green tea can help with weight loss and can help keep gums strong and healthy. Drink it hot or cold.


My early morning Green Tea

Reason #2: A Shout out to Sprouts
Broccoli sprouts are an awesome addition to sandwiches and salads. A great deal of research has shown that cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, contain cancer-protective compounds. One compound in particular called sulforaphane has been shown to improve the liver's ability to detoxify carcinogens and other toxic compounds. Researchers have discovered that 3-day-old sprouts of certain crucifers contain 10-100 times higher levels of sulforaphane than do the corresponding mature plants. In fact, just one ounce of broccoli sprouts contain an equivalent amount of sulforaphane to one-and-a-half pounds of mature broccoli!

Reason #3: Lovely Green Leafys
Cruciferous greens are scary. They aren't tidy, they require a lot of washing, and no ones knows what to do with them. That being said: broccoli, kale and swiss chard (my 3 green faves) happen to be some of the most nutrient-rich foods on the planet, they cook quickly and, with the right recipes are absolutely delicious!

High in sulphoraphane and indole-3-carbinol (anti-cancer effects), vitamin C, A, K, folic acid, calcium, potassium and chromium.


Note the glass of red wine I am cooking with. Though not green, it is high in anti-oxidants and may increase HDL (healthy cholesterol)!


Recipe: Garlic-Sizzled Kale Saute
Ingredients
1 tsp Bragg's
1 tsp Water
1 tsp olive oil
4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1 large bunch of kale, washed, de-stemmed and cut into 1 inch pieces (about 6 C)

Instructions
1. Stir together Bragg's and water and set aside. Pour olive oil into a large skilet over medium heat. Saute garlic for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
2. Scoop chopped kale over garlic and pour Bragg's-water into the skillet. Immediately cover with a lid and cook for 3 minutes. Remove lid, stir well.
3. Serve and Enjoy!

Reason #4: Green Beer
No health benefits as the green dye cancels out the hops and B-vitamin benefits, BUT it's delicious and fun and only acceptable one day a year.

Bottoms up!