Swiss chard has amazing health benefits - it can regulate blood sugar levels, prevent various types of cancer, improve digestion, boosts the immune system, reduces fever and combats inflammation, among many others.
Swiss chard's many health benefits can be attributed to its impressive list of vitamins, nutrients and organic compounds, which include vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin E, riboflavin and vitamin B6. Swiss chard is also packed with minerals, in fact, it includes a wealth of magnesium, manganese, potassium, iron, sodium and copper. It is also a good source of dietary fiber. Swiss chard has a significant amount of polyphenolic antioxidants, phytonutrients and enzymes that are unique and highly beneficial to your health.
7 Health Benefits Of Swiss Chard
1. It helps manage diabetes
Swiss chard has been found to regulate blood sugar levels in the body. One of the unique flavanoids found in Swiss chard is syringic acid, which inhibits the activity of a specific enzyme named alpha-glucosidase. This means that less carbs are broken down to simple sugars, which allows the blood sugar levels in the body to remain stable and prevent the plunges and peaks, known to be dangerous for diabetic patients, or those who are at a high risk of developing diabetes.
2. It improves bone health
Swiss chard contains a significant amount of calcium in its leaves, giving it a major boost for bone health. Alongside other minerals found in this vegetable, calcium helps stimulate bone growth and development, including magnesium and vitamin K.
3. It boosts your brain power
Swiss chard is a great source of both potassium and vitamin K, both of which are found in significant amounts in the brain and are integral parts of boosting cognitive development and abilities.
4. It boosts blood circulation
Both iron and copper are essential elements of red blood cells. Without these two minerals, people can develop anemia, which includes symptoms like weakness, fatigue, stomach disorders and lack of concentration. Ensuring a proper amount of red blood cells by eating such foods can increase your blood flow and oxygenation of essential organs within the body.
5. It improves blood pressure and heart health
Swiss chard contains anti-inflammatory and phytonutrient antioxidants, which, along with potassium, all contribute to reducing blood pressure and stress on the cardiovascular system. Some hypertension is due to pro-inflammatory enzymes within the body, which the organic compounds in Swiss chard are able to neutralize. Furthermore, Swiss chard protects those who eat it from a variety of conditions like atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes.
6. It promotes eye care
Swiss chard contains a substantial amount of beta-carotene, which has been linked to optimal eye health and a reduction in macular degeneration, glaucoma, night blindness and other vision-related conditions.
7. It promotes healthy hair
The organic compound biotin has directly been linked to healthy hair, the stimulation of follicles as well as luster and texture. Swiss chard also has significant amounts of biotin, among its many other beneficial compounds.
8. It can prevent cancer
As with many leafy, green vegetables, Swiss chard also contains anti-cancer properties due to the large amounts of antioxidants found in it. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which are a dangerous byproduct of cellular metabolism, causing healthy cells to become cancerous. It also contains significant amounts of vitamin E, C, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, kaempferol, beta-carotene and quercetin - many of which have been connected to preventing a wide array of cancers, specifically, colon cancer.