Go Green for National Nutrition Month

March 11, 2024

As part of our commitment to our members’ health and well-being, the NYCDCC Benefit Funds would like to promote National Nutrition Month. While healthy diets may vary from individual to individual*, we would like to share general wellness and nutrition information with our membership.

Dark Green Leafy Vegetables

This National Nutrition Month, we’re highlighting leafy green vegetables and the abundant health benefits they provide. From lettuce to collard greens, these foods vary not only in taste but in nutrition, offering a range of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and more. These vegetables include:

– Spinach
– Kale
– Arugula
– Collard Greens
– Swiss Chard
– Escarole
– Chicory
– Bok Choy
– Mustard Greens
– Romaine Lettuce

For a list of more dark-green vegetables, visit https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/food-group-gallery#vegetables

Nutrients

Dark leafy vegetables offer a variety of nutrients, such as:

– Fiber (helps maintain bowel health and blood sugar levels)
– Folate (important in red blood cell function; also known as Vitamin B9 or Folic Acid)
– Vitamin C (vital for your body’s healing process; also helps your body absorb and store iron)
– Vitamin K (supports normal blood clotting)
– Iron (essential for red blood cells and carrying oxygen throughout your body)
– Calcium (vital for bone health)
– Carotenoids and other antioxidants (anti-inflammatory; may help lower risk of certain cancers)

Eating More Vegetables

While everyone’s dietary needs are different*, vegetables play a role in healthy diets for everyone. Below is a list of general daily recommendations for vegetable consumption:

According to myplate.gov, “1 cup of vegetables” is equal to 1 cup of raw or cooked vegetables or vegetable juice, or 2 cups of raw leafy salad greens.

*Please consult with your physician before starting any diet or exercise plan.

Additional Resources

The Health Benefits of Dark-Green Leafy Vegetables: https://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/FCS3/FCS3567/FCS3567.pdf

Adding and Varying Vegetables in Your Diet: https://myplate-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/2022-04/TipSheet_3_VaryYourVegetables.pdf