Eat more leaves and vegetables, keep diseases away

Environment-friendly lifestyle is gaining much popularity these days. People are adopting suitable changes in food habits as well as other aspects of daily living to be closer to nature. As a consequence, consumption of vegetables and leaves is witnessing a steady increase among health-conscious individuals.

Several diseases can be kept at bay if we include vegetables and leaves in our daily diet like our forefathers did. Moreover, it helps prevent conditions like anaemia and diabetes as these vegetables are rich in anti-oxidants, vitamins A, B, E and K, magnesium, calcium, proteins, and minerals. Eating these vegetables also helps prevent heart disease.

During summer, by including bitter gourd, snake gourd, and bottle gourd in our daily menu, we give the digestive system a boost as they contain plenty of fibre and water.

Another important item is coriander leaf, which has high iron content and is anti-allergic. Coriander leaves also help prevent skin diseases and ulcers in the mouth, enable digestion, ensure proper menstrual cycle, and reduce cholesterol.

While, mint leaves prevent tuberculosis, prostate cancer, and abdominal diseases, it also helps digestion and enhances memory.

To prevent fever, asthma and diseases of the mouth, leaves of holy basil (thulasi) are ideal.

Amaranthus (cheera) helps improve vision. It has high calcium content and is good for the stomach.

Half the composition of ladies finger comprises soluble fibre. This reduces cholesterol level and the risk of heart attack. The other part, which is insoluble fibre, helps digestion.

Drumstick leaves, which are rich in vitamins, are good for breastfeeding women. These leaves keep cholesterol and blood sugar at normal levels.

Green chillies aid digestion. They are beneficial to diabetes patients and have the capacity to reduce blood sugar levels. Green capsicum, being an anti-oxidant, can check swelling. Pain and swelling caused by rheumatism can also be reduced by consuming green chillies.

Yet another vegetable with significant fibre content is beans. It can prevent abdominal diseases and enhance immunity, with vitamins A, C, K, B6 and folic acid in plenty.