Chard – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

Chard goes by other names, like Swiss chard, spinach-chard, or silverbeet. Regardless of how you call it, one thing is certain: This succulent, green, leafy vegetable is one of the most nutritious in the world. Just like the spinach, these greens are great sources of phytonutrients that prevent diseases and promote health.

List of known nutrients

• Beta-Carotene
• Betalains
• Calcium
• Carbohydrates
• Chlorophyll
• Choline
• Copper
• Iron
• Kaempferol
• Lutein
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Protein
• Quercetin
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B2
• Vitamin C
• Zeaxanthin

Medicinal uses of chard

The fact that chard are nutrient-dense makes them one of the most important vegetables you need to keep at home. They offer a lot of health benefits. For one, their range of antioxidants are extremely useful in fighting free radicals and preventing cell damage. They also help boost your immunity against illnesses.

Carotenoids found in chard can help improve eye health. You can treat allergies with this as well.

Because of their anti-inflammatory properties and wide range of antioxidants, chards can prevent cancer. The chlorophyll found in chard is believed to be effective in blocking cancer-causing heterocyclic amines that are formed when you grill foods at high temperatures. Eating chards will help you counteract the negative effects of the carcinogens in burnt food.

The alpha-lipoic acid content of chard is known to help lower glucose levels. It’s also effective in increasing insulin sensitivity and preventing oxidative stress-induced changes in people with diabetes.

Chard can be good for the cardiovascular system. People with high blood pressure oftentimes lack nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and potassium – all of which are found in chard. By consuming chard, you can effectively flush out the sodium from the body, helping lower blood pressure.

You can improve bone health by eating chard. They are packed with vitamin K that is essential in fortifying the bones, improving calcium absorption, and decreasing urinary excretion of calcium. Bone fractures are linked to low intakes of vitamin K, so incorporating chard into your diet will increase your odds against breaking a bone. Furthermore, vitamin K is effective in minimizing neuronal damage in the brain, which means it can also help treat Alzheimer’s disease.

Body systems supported by chard

It’s awesome how this green leafy vegetable helps the body in various ways. It starts on a cellular level. Chard’s antioxidants help protect cells from damage and eliminate free radicals, which in turn boosts the immune system and protect the body from sickness. The same antioxidants also help improve eye health.

It also promotes healthy heart by lowering blood pressure and strong bones by improving the body’s calcium absorption. Chard’s nutritional content is also great for the brain because it helps prevent brain cell damage.

Ways to use chard

Ran out of ideas on how to cook chard? Here are some delicious recipes you should try.

Where to learn more

• Top six alkaline foods to eat every day for vibrant health
• Four best superfoods to eat this summer
• 5 top foods to boost fertility
• More than just fruit – how to make a smoothie with greens
• 10 foods that help fight depression

Summary

Chard can boost the body’s defense against sickness.

Chard helps lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Chard can prevent cancer and diabetes.

Chard strengthens bones.

Chard can prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

Sources include:

CookingLight.com

WHFoods.com

Nutrition-and-You.com

OrganicFacts.net

MedicalNewsToday.com