We know that "eating a rainbow" and dark leafy greens is all good for us in theory, but WHY?
You are creating an alkaline environment within your body when you eat a diet rich in whole foods, heavy on greens and other vegetables. Processed foods, refined sugars, meat and flours are all very acid in our system, creating a perfect environment for bacteria, yeast, candida and viruses to thrive. Alkaline minerals in our bodies neutralize acidic conditions caused by the environment. Dark green, leafy vegetables help to replenish our alkaline mineral stores and filter out pollutants. An alkaline diet should have adequate protein in it to make the kidneys functional. Without good kidney functionality, acids pile up in the system, even if every ingredient in the diet is alkalizing, because some acid is always produced and that acid needs to be excreted by the kidneys. If there is inadequate dietary protein, the kidneys cannot function to excrete acids. Viruses can actually change and mutate to escape our immune defenses when we don't have adequate levels of antioxidants and phyto-nutrients in our tissue. They mutate and damage our body because we are immuno-deficient.
Micronutrients are essential in keeping the immune system strong. When our antioxidants and micronutrients are low, viruses can actually mutate to escape the defenses of our immune system. Phytonutrients (phyto~plant), minerals, vitamins are all micronutrients. Vegetables and fruit come in all different colors, each offering us different micronutrients.
Dr. Joel Fuhrman asks, "What nutrient is the most dangerous to be low in?" The answer? The one you are low in!
You need to have an adequate level of all nutrients for a healthy immune system. To maximize immune function, eat a variety of greens and other veggies in a rainbow of colors. Learning to incorporate dark leafy greens into the diet is essential to establishing a healthy body and immune system. Greens help build your internal rainforest and strengthen the blood and respiratory system. When you nourish yourself with greens and other veggies, you may naturally crowd out the foods that make you sick.
Do yourself a favor. Listen to those cravings coming in as the weather warms. Eat a rainbow every day!
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