Swiss chard is often a misleading name for this vegetable isn’t native to Switzerland, rather it was ‘discovered’ by a Swiss Botanist, Carl von Linné in 1753.
Swiss Chard is often referred to by different names such as silverbeet, sea beet, spinach beet and crab beet and is an excellent source of vitamin A and vitamin K and a good source of vitamin C and magnesium.
Swiss chard also contains the antioxidants beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin; which is crucial for eye health. Vitamin A plays a significant role in normal formation and maintenance of many organs including the heart, lungs and kidneys.
Swiss chard is a popular vegetable and is wonderful both raw and steamed. I use it in many recipes from salads, juiced, steamed like spinach or in soups, casseroles, stir fries to name but a few.
Swiss chard nutrition is thought to contain up to 13 different types of polyphenol antioxidants. A 2016 study found evidence that regular intake of leafy greens leads to a significant 15.8 % reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease.
Because of the range of antioxidants found in the chard vegetable, it benefits heart health in numerous ways, such as by lowering levels of inflammation and normalising blood pressure. Swiss chard is considered an anti-hypertensive vegetable because it contains many of the trace minerals we need that are crucial for correct circulation, blood vessel health and heartbeat regulation. Therefore, Swiss chard is excellent in helping to control blood pressure levels. *Please do not come off of any medication without the advice from your healthcare practitioner, do however, eat plenty of healthy, preferably organic leafy greens as part of your daily diet.
Leafy greens contain many antioxidants that support a healthy body and is a powerful blood sugar regulator, therefore Swiss chard is one of the best vegetables for individuals with pre-diabetes, diabetes, or other forms of metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance. This beautiful green vegetable with its colourful stalks are a great source of vitamin K and calcium which support a strong skeletal structure. Calcium isn’t the only factor when it comes to strong bones; exercise plays an important role in building and maintaining bone strength and preventing osteoporosis.
A cup of Swiss chard provides more than your daily vitamin K requirements!
Swiss chard benefits digestive health by helping reduce inflammation within the digestive tract and therefore regulates bowel movements that draw toxins out of the body and thus keeps your bodies environment in top tip condition for those 50 trillion cells to thrive and survive.
Eating a wide range of fresh organic vegetables will help combat stress-related symptoms that take a toll on the nervous system, including insomnia, mood disturbances, headaches and high blood pressure.
Individuals whom have a known history of kidney or gallbladder problems may want to avoid eating chard due to its oxalates, also known as oxalic acid as these can aggravate symptoms in some cases, it is best to consult with your GP if unsure.
In brief, Swiss Chard:
Improves vision
Boosts cognitive development
Reduces muscle cramps
Controls blood sugar levels
Combats stress-related symptoms
Promotes Heart health
Strengthen bones
Essential for blood circulation
High in magnesium and iron
High in Vitamin A, K and C
With Love & Appreciation, always 💚