Go Green for St. Patrick's Day

In addition to the regular festivities surrounding St. Patrick's Day this month, consider adding a new tradition of green foods to your diet, besides green beer. Green foods are healthy in terms of their vitamin, mineral, water and antioxidant content.

1. Increase fiber with broccoli. Broccoli provides many health benefits, including both soluble and insoluble fiber; vitamins A, C, E and K Vegetables like asparagus, green/herbal teas, spinach, kale, turnip, collard and mustard greens, cabbage, endive and brussel sprouts are also high in vitamin K.

2. Vary your leafy greens. It’s important to remember that leafy green vegetables, such as lettuces, come in varying shades of green. The lighter the green, the less vitamins and minerals they contain. The darker the green, the higher the concentration of vitamins and minerals they contain. Spinach, a dark leafy green, contains lutein, which is good for eye health.

3. Improve cholesterol with avocado. Avocados are a good source of monounsaturated fats, which can help lower your cholesterol. It's also a good source of vitamin E.

4. Alternate oranges with kiwifruit. Kiwifruit contain even more vitamin C than oranges and they're a great source of dietary fiber.

5. Snack on green apples. While green apples offer about the same benefits as red or yellow apples, green apples are a great source of soluble and insoluble fiber, which aid in digestion and heart health.

6. Drink tea green tea. If you like to drink tea, consider choosing green tea instead of black, oolong or other darker teas. Green tea packs the biggest punch when it comes to antioxidants. It also contains flavonoids that are good for the heart.

As for those people sticking to the green beer, I wasn't able to find any health benefits from green beer specifically, but it sure makes it more fun to drink!

-Community Assistant