Green is the color of nature and life — it represents abundance and life. Leafy vegetables, as well as fruits, contain many vitamins, minerals, and disease-fighting nutrients that our body needs every day. Tropical countries are the home for many types of greenery which are excellent sources of food. Obviously, food is something we need in order to survive but it’s not enough to merely gobble whatever we feel like eating. You should make sure that the food you eat will not only replenish your body but also keep it healthy.

With the rise of modern technology, fast food has become a threat to our overall health and nutrition because of how convenient it is. But while these foods save you the hassle of preparing or cooking, it endangers your health with the harmful chemicals it contains that aren’t good for the body. And if you list the money you spend on buying takeaways, you’d be surprised to know how much you’ve been spending on them.

Instead of choosing to harm your health and compromising your diet with fast food, here are ten healthy greens to incorporate into your meals. They are not only cheap but are also rich with vitamins and minerals that will keep you satisfied at the end of each meal.

Swamp Cabbage

This plant can live in both land and water. Swamp cabbage has been a popular green leafy vegetable that is part of many recipes. It is low in cholesterol and is a good source of protein, phosphorus, and dietary fiber, among many others. See? Even plants contain proteins.

Moringa

Moringa is a native plant in Africa and Asia. In fact, it is highly recommended for lactating mothers to help them produce more milk for their infant. It is also rich in protein, vitamin A, vitamin B, and minerals. This vegetable is a great food supplement which has become popular in the market. Ever heard of Moringa powder?

Jute leaves

These are usually seen growing along the side of roads or tropical gardens. It is generally cooked as a soup or as an ingredient in a main dish. Jute leaves have a slimy consistency when cooked, but that shouldn’t deter you from giving it a try. This healthy green is rich in calcium, iron, protein, vitamins A, C, E, and much more. Jute leaves are very healthy and can help you avoid many illnesses if you include them in your regular diet.

Lima Beans

Lima beans are a type of flat beans and are a popular ingredient in salads and meat dishes. Lima beans are rich in protein, just like other beans. These are also a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. So if you’re planning to detoxify and boost your immunity, you can go for these greens.

String Beans

It’s another kind of bean that is found in most tropical places. String beans are cooked with other vegetables or you can even cook it just as it is. It is a good source of protein, carbs, fat, fibers, vitamins, and minerals.

Lady Fingers

This is a kind of vegetable usually steamed or fried and eaten as a side, but you can also use it as an ingredient to a main dish. Lady fingers are a rich source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This vegetable also contains a low-calorie content, so if you’re watching your weight, this is an excellent addition to your diet.

Sweet Potato Leaves

Sweet potato leaves obviously come from the sweet potato plant. Its leaves have been a food source since the early days. Grown across the world, sweet potatoes and its leaves are a good source of protein, niacin, calcium, iron, and dietary fibers.

Green Papaya

Papaya is seen as a vegetable in many parts of the world, but it is also a fruit — ripe papayas are absolutely delicious! The young papaya is a constant in a few cuisines around the world with green papaya salad as the most common dish. Green papayas are rich in fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, and many other vitamins and minerals.

Malabar Spinach

Most people consider this as an ornamental plant while a few countries consume it as a vegetable in the diet. Malabar spinach is a vine plant that is used as an ingredient to the main dish or in a salad. It’s rich in fiber, calories, fat, vitamins, and minerals.

Make sure to include these greens in your diet. You don’t just become healthy and vastly improve your diet; you also save money!