Leafy Greens are one of the greatest groups of vegetables to incorporate into your daily routine. Containing a highly packed punch of energy, nutrients and health-supportive benefits, they grow upwards towards the sky, absorbing the sun’s light while producing oxygen. The members of this royal green family are kale, collard greens, swiss chard, mustard greens, arugula, dandelion greens, broccoli rabe, watercress, beet greens, bok choy, nappa cabbage, red or green cabbage, spinach and broccoli.

How do they benefit our bodies? Green is associated with spring – a time of renewal and refreshing, vital energy. In oriental medicine green is related to the liver, emotional stability and creativity. Nutritionally, greens are very high in calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous and zinc, and are a powerhouse for vitamins A, C, E and K. In addition, they are crammed full of fiber, folic acid, chlorophyll, and many other micronutrients and phytochemicals. Greens aid in purifying blood, strengthening the immune system, improving liver, gall bladder and kidney function, fighting depression, clearing congestion, improving circulation and keeping your skin clear and blemish free.

What do we do with them once we get them home to our kitchens? Try the recipe below and pick up a different green each trip to the market to find your favorites!

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Serves: 4 Ingredients:

1/2 lbs of shiitake mushrooms

1 tablespoon of olive oil

1-2 cloves of crushed garlic

1 bunch of kale

pinch of saltDirections:

Warm oil in pan on medium heat with minced garlic till aromas of garlic are released, about 2-

3 minutes.

Add chopped shiitake mushrooms, stir fry for 5 minutes.

Then add chopped kale, stir fry for a couple of minutes.

Add a splash of water and pinch of salt to pan, cover and let steam for 4 minutes.

I hope you have found this newsletter to be as informative and inspiring to read as it has been for me to share it with you. Please feel free to forward it to those friends, family and colleagues in your life that you think might also be interested and inspired by it.