Green, leafy vegetables such as kale, broccoli, spinach, and chard are an abundant source of B-complex vitamins, a deficiency of which is implicated in pain caused by damaged or misfiring nerves. They contain magnesium, which helps relax smooth muscles and possibly reduce stress. They also contain chemicals that encourage the production of serotonin, the neurotransmitter important for sleep and regulation of mood states. Try to eat two servings of green leafy vegetables every day. This is not as hard as it sounds. You could have a small spinach salad or some broccoli with lunch, and some sautéed kale alongside dinner. If you dislike green leafies, you may want to take a look at how you’ve been eating them. Too often these vegetables are cooked to within an inch of their life, leaving them dull and even noxious. When they’re prepared with a lighter hand, perhaps steamed or sautéed gently, or even served raw with dip, they have a fresh, clean taste that most adults find pleasing. Try buying a different green vegetable every time you go to the grocery store and experiment until you find the kinds you like best.
This page was first published on May, 15th, 2008 and was last updated on May, 15th, 2008