23 Reasons to Eat More Leafy Greens – Why Daily Is Best!

You’ve probably heard it before: “Eat your greens.”

And while it may sound like something your mom used to say to get you to finish your dinner, it turns out… she was right.

No matter the health question, the answer often points back to one simple (and delicious) place:

More leafy greens.

Okay, okay – maybe not every health question.

But you’d be amazed at how many symptoms, struggles, and low-energy days start to turn around when you consistently add in more green, living foods.

Here's what you'll find in this article:

• Why leafy greens are great for you
• 23 ways leafy greens superpower your health
• Creative ways to eat more leafy greens
• 7 leafy greens to love (and why)
• My biggest leafy greens hack

Leafy greens are the holy grail, if there is one, or the fountain of youth.

But, here’s the reality: Most people don’t eat any leafy greens on a typical day. None. Zilch.

So, when you start eating greens daily – or better yet, drinking them in green smoothies – it can feel like magic.

Your energy improves. Your skin glows. Your digestion moves. And your brain fog lifts.

Many of our health issues are actually caused by nutrient deficiencies.

Leafy greens are one of the most nutrient-rich foods you can consume.¹

They’re loaded with antioxidants, minerals, enzymes, and other nutrients. They’re also great sources of fiber.

My Story (and a Friend’s)

At one point, I had 21 different diagnoses – and I have none today. That’s the power of nourishment and holistic healing.

A dear friend of mine in Florida had mysterious bruising – massive black, blue, and yellow bruises all over her legs – for 18 months. Doctors ran tests, but no one could give her answers.

I got her to drink green smoothies. Within two weeks, the bruises were completely gone. That’s what nutrient deficiencies can look like – and why leafy greens are foundational to true healing.

Your MD is not trained in diagnosing, let alone treating, nutrient deficiencies. And taking pills – whether they be chemical meds or supplements – generally isn’t as complete and synergistic as getting loads of greens and superfoods in your diet (in the easiest way possible).

Leafy greens, like kale, spinach, collards, arugula, and chard, are among the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet – they are an absolute nutrient goldmine!

Their benefits are backed by science and loved by generations of traditional medicine healers alike.

Here are just 23 of the incredible things greens can do:

1. Increase energy
2. Reduce inflammation
3. Support immune health
4. Fight viruses & bacteria
5. Detoxify the body
6. Remove heavy metals
7. Protect against radiation
8. Aid digestion
9. Improve elimination
10. Balance your body’s pH
11. Enhance memory & focus
12. Fight free radical damage
13. Repair skin
14. Improve sleep
15. Support adrenal health & mood
16. Lower blood pressure
17. Cleanse mucus from the body
18. Oxygenate the blood
19. Strengthen bones with plant calcium
20. Speed up wound healing
21. Support anti-cancer processes
22. Balance blood sugar
23. Reduce anxiety

In short: they’re your body’s best friend.

Are You Eating Greens Every Day?

Here’s your gentle nudge: You deserve to feel amazing. And greens can help you get there.

Try adding more greens with these simple (and delicious) ideas:

• Big, beautiful salads – Toss in fruit, nuts, and seeds to make them exciting.

• Kale or collard chips – Bake with olive oil and sea salt. Here’s an irresistible recipe I love.

• Wrap it up – Use collard greens or romaine instead of tortillas or sandwich bread.

• Stir into soups – Add just before serving to preserve nutrients.

• Blend into dips – Mix greens into hummus, guac, or pesto.

• Fresh green juices – Go light on fruit; focus on greens.

• Green smoothies! – The easiest (and tastiest) way to get your daily greens.

Personally, green smoothies are my daily non-negotiable.

They’re simple, quick, and family-friendly.

Green smoothies are the closest thing to a “magic health elixir” I’ve found.

Join the 9-Day Green Smoothie Challenge!

Our 9-Day Green Smoothie Challenge is free to join, fun, and will help you fall in love with your greens. (And we do hope you don’t quit after the 9 days are over!)

Your health is going to get better when you consume greens. It’s as simple as that.

Join the Challenge here

7 Leafy Greens to Love (and Why)

Not all greens are created equal – here are some all-stars and what they’re known for:

• Kale: Rich in anti-cancer compounds & calcium (more than dairy!)

• Collard Greens: High in vitamin K, supports bone health & night vision.

• Romaine Lettuce: Romaine lettuce is the 13th most nutrient-dense food in the world. NASA actually chose to grow this plant to supplement the diets of astronauts in space.

• Swiss Chard: Supports skin health and helps reduce stress with magnesium

• Turnip Greens: Linked to a reduced risk of lung cancer

• Spinach: Helps curb cravings and increase feelings of fullness

• Radicchio: Great for gut and heart health

[Related: Top 11 Greens to Use in Your Green Smoothies]

The Research is Clear

A few standout studies to motivate you:

• A Danish study found that just one cup of raw leafy greens a day improved heart health by 15%.²

• A Rush University study (2017) revealed that eating one serving of leafy greens daily made people appear 11 years younger in cognitive health!³

• Regular leafy green consumption is associated with lower Alzheimer’s risk, better focus, memory, and mood.

The Chlorophyll Effect

Chlorophyll is what makes greens green.

It’s also a powerful ally for:

• Supporting liver health
• Aiding in detoxification
• Enhancing oxygen delivery
• Eliminating heavy metals

[Related: 3 Actions You Can Take to Detox Heavy Metals]

It Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

My husband fell off the sugar-free wagon – and felt terrible.

He made himself a green smoothie and, no joke, 20 minutes later said:

“If I pay attention, I can feel the pain in my joints easing. Fast. It’s like magic.”

If you want to add more leady greens to your diet, I recommend learning what's in your neighborhood.

Have you ever considered that 1/4 to 1/2 of what is around you is edible and nutrient-dense and free?

In my own diet, I use so much green food that is growing natively around me.

You can learn more about how you can find edible weeds around you to boost your greens intake in an affordable way.

Final Thoughts

Leafy greens aren’t a cure-all, but they come pretty close.

And the easiest way to get them? Drink them. Every day.

Green smoothies only take 10 minutes a day. But the benefits – for your energy, your skin, your brain, your mood, your future – are worth far more.

So… are you in?

Join us in the 9-Day Green Smoothie Challenge and feel the difference for yourself.

Click here to join

Because this Challenge is always fun, uplifting, and will help you see that green smoothies make you feel like a million bucks and are worth 10 minutes a day to make them.

 

Read Next: An Important Health Warning You Need to Know About Leafy Greens