This 'n That Thursdays: The Eating of the Greens (and Mushrooms) Is Good for You!

Stir-Fried Collard Greens with Mushrooms
(from Season with Spice)

Two recent articles (here and here) have advocated the health benefits of adding more leafy greens and mushrooms to your diet.  Apparently vegetables such as collard greens, spinach, and the now ubiquitous kale help to protect the brain.  A study published in the journal Neurology found that healthy seniors who ate daily servings of leafy green vegetables had a significantly slower rate of cognitive decline compared to those who ate little to no greens.  These vegetables are packed with a range of nutrients and bioactive compounds, which may explain their positive impact on the maintenance of brain function.

Mushrooms are a healthy addition to the diet because they too contain a number of beneficial nutrients, including beta glucans which help to fight inflammation.  In fact, some types of mushrooms are now being studied for their potential in mitigating human health issues such as cancer, diabetes, and even obesity.  As yet there are no definitive studies on the benefits of mushrooms for medicinal purposes, but adding them to your diet is a good idea for nutritional reasons alone.

In our first world society it is far too easy to over-consume processed foods and neglect eating more sensible choices.  And yet one of the easiest ways to lead a healthier lifestyle is by making dietary changes.  Even small changes can lead to big health benefits.  If you want to boost your immune system, decrease inflammation, and increase your chances of living a longer and healthier life, it certainly can't hurt to add more greens and mushrooms to your diet.  Best of all, there are numerous recipes on the internet for greens and mushrooms dishes, so all you have to do is find the ones you like and give them a try!

Gnocchi with Spring Greens and Crimini Mushrooms is a recipe I will try
(from Teaspoon of Spice).