In the sprit of St. Patrick's Day, let's add some green to our diet, leafy greens that is! Ever since we were little kids we have been told to eat our vegetables and it was for a good reason. Green leafy vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals.

They are packed with Vitamin A, C, K, iron, potassium, zinc, lots of calcium, folic acid, and antioxidants. These essential nutrients are good for your eyes, help fight off DNA-damaging chemicals, and strengthen our bones. They are also thought to improve immunity, purify our blood, ease digestion, and improve energy levels. Incorporate some greens in your meals at least once a day.

Not sure where to start? It's simple, some of the most common leafy green vegetables are spinach, arugula, swiss chard, kale and collard greens. Some other delicious options are chicory and dandelion greens which tend to have a bitter taste and mustard greens which have a naturally spicy kick to them. How could I have forgotten broccoli, broccoli rabe, and of course basil and parsley which are a great way to season a dish. There are tons of different ways to prepare these vegetables.

You can use them to make a salad, add it to a sandwich or wrap, and cook them by a process of steaming or sauteing. Another option is to add them to soup or stew which gives off a nice flavor and leaves you feeling satisfied. So there you have it, now go green!