Not only is Honolulu’s IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health staffed with some of Hawaii’s best sports medicine specialists, orthopedic doctors, and osteopathic physicians, but this clinic is also an excellent source for nutrition information and all-around wellness coaching. As these medical professionals know, a truly healthy lifestyle involves much more than applying the right treatment or surgery—it’s a process that is on-going, which is why they emphasize preventative, well-rounded approaches. As they note, one easy way to dramatically improve your overall health fits into the color scheme of St. Patrick’s Day: this year, instead of wearing green, you should eat leafy greens!

So what are some of the benefits of incorporating leafy greens like spinach, kale, mustard greens or Swiss chard into your diet?

• A great source of vitamin K: Vitamin K is found in leafy greens, and has not only been shown to help people avoid blood clotting, but it also aids in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, bone fragility and arterial or kidney calcification.
• Lowers cholesterol: It’s an established fact that mustard greens and kale help to reduce cholesterol by attaching to your body’s bile and allowing it to be excreted. The liver, which uses cholesterol to create this digestive material, is forced to make more, thus lowering your overall levels.
• Be all you can 'B' with B vitamins: Your body uses B vitamins to convert carbs from food into energy; greens are an excellent source of these, which you need to acquire every day.
• Promotes stronger bones: That bitter taste of some leafy greens indicates the presence of calcium, which promotes bone density. While greens themselves can’t provide all of the calcium recommended for women 31-50, they certainly can contribute.

As an added bonus, leafy greens can taste delicious, and there are many ways to incorporate them into your cooking. To find out more about how to optimize your nutritional habits, arrange an appointment with the caring folks at IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health by visiting their center online, or by calling (808) 521-8170. Even if you don’t wear green this St. Patrick’s Day, with greens as part of your diet, no one will be able to pinch you!