Light the Way…
with ‘Bright Lights’ Rainbow Swiss Chard. A colorful addition to any garden and a healthy addition to your plate.
Another candidate for “Vitamin in a Pot”
Easy to grow, Swiss Chard is related to beets and spinach with a flavor a bit reminiscent of both. Eat the stems for a nice crunch.
Contrary to it’s name, chard hails from the Mediterranean. It was a Swiss botanist who attached the Swiss to Chard.
So packed with an amazing roster of nutrients that the Greeks and Romans considered chard to be medicinal. Let’s take an inventory…
For your bones…calcium and magnesium - but did you know Vitamin K is needed for the calcium to attach to your bones? In nature’s perfection, chard is chock full of this vital vitamin!
Magnesium is not just for bones - it is needed to help muscles and nerves relax. Deficiency of this mineral can contribute to high blood pressure, muscle spasms, muscle cramps, constipation and headaches.
Speaking of muscles - the heart not only benefits from the magnesium in chard but chard’s healthy dose of potassium. A number of studies have shown potassium can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels which in turn can help reduce the risk of stroke.
We always think of carrots for beta carotene but chard could help Bugs keep a sharp eye out for Elmer. Beta-carotene is converted into Vitamin A in your body. Studies have shown that in it’s natural food form, beta-carotene can help to reduce the risk of cataracts, skin cancer and be protective of the lungs for smokers.
Running out of energy? Chard is a great source of iron - keeping that oxygen flowing to all parts of your body. Another mineral - manganese is key to an enzyme that is an important part of energy production in all your cells.
Anti-oxidants? How about vitamin C and E for starters?
Vitamin E has been found to prevent the cholesterol in your body from oxidizing - it’s the oxidized cholesterol that sticks to your arteries.
Other studies show vitamin E from green leafy vegetables can help slow cognitive decline by up to 40%.
How about Riboflavin (B2)? This vitamin helps the body produce one of the most important of all antioxidants - glutathione. Among it’s numerous tasks, glutathione also helps prevents the oxidation of cholesterol.
Phytonutrients? Chock full of the anthocyanins, this class of phytonutrients have been widely studied for reducing the risk of cancers - namely of the colon.
Rounding out the roster - multiple B vitamins including folate; minerals - copper, phosphorus and zinc along with a bit of protein including the amino acid tryptophan. Last but not least the all important Fiber.
As Hippocrates said “Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food” …Indeed.
Now we know why it’s a good idea to plant this beautiful nutrient packed green. Tomorrow some planting tips and ways to enjoy this wonder vegetable.
*Be advised that any nutrition information suggested is not intended as a treatment for any disease. The intent of any nutritional recommendation is to support the physiological and biochemical processes of the human body, and not to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent any disease or condition. Always work with a qualified medical professional before making changes to your diet, prescription medication, lifestyle or exercise activities.
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