Article by Dr Manasa S, B.A.M.S
The Story –
I not too long ago requested a 19-year-old school scholar throughout a session:
“How typically do you eat greens?”
She gave me a hesitant shrug. “Now we have sabzi (greens – in Hindi) perhaps as soon as a day… generally not even that. No eggs both. No paneer. We don’t eat meat. I don’t actually like dal…”
That second caught with me — and made me sit down to jot down this.
As a result of her story isn’t uncommon.
Throughout eating tables — whether or not in small residences, hostels, or household properties — greens are sometimes the very first thing to go. Not as a result of they’ll’t be purchased. However as a result of someplace alongside the best way, somebody determined they’re boring, optionally available, or just for “weight reduction.”
That considering wants to alter. Particularly when you’re younger, juggling between courses, sleep debt, deadlines, hostel meals, and instantaneous noodles.
Associated Studying – ‘Wholesome Greens’
The Information –
We’ve all heard the traces:
“They’re filled with fibres.”
“Good to your well being.”
“Eat your greens.”
However what does that really do for you?
Right here’s what occurs if you begin consuming greens with each meal — constantly:
They feed your intestine micro organism: Your intestine is house to trillions of microbes. Greens — particularly leafy greens and fibrous ones like carrots or pumpkin — are their gasoline. A well-fed intestine means higher immunity, higher temper, and smoother digestion.
Associated Studying – Fruits, greens and biotics for a wholesome intestine microbiome
They assist stabilize your blood sugar: Veggies decelerate sugar absorption. Meaning fewer vitality crashes and higher management over cravings (particularly useful when you’re surviving on tea and biscuits).
Associated Studying – The ten finest greens for Diabetes
They assist your pores and skin glow naturally: Clearer pores and skin begins from inside. A intestine that eliminates toxins properly displays via brighter, calmer pores and skin. Leafy greens help liver operate too — your physique’s inner detox workforce.
Associated Studying – Plant-Based mostly meals for Pores and skin Well being: A Narrative Analysis
Associated Studying – The Well being Advantages of Fruits and Greens
They regulate your weight naturally: Not as a result of they’re low-cal. However as a result of they hold you full, scale back junk cravings, and help fats metabolism.
They carry in minerals no one talks about: Magnesium, potassium, folate, calcium — important for nerves, intervals, muscle restoration, sleep and temper. Most of us don’t get sufficient. However greens quietly ship them, no prescription wanted.
“However greens are laborious to prepare dinner… proper?”
Completely hear you.
You’re in school. You’re broke half the time. You sleep like a bat.
Your roommate eats Maggi for dinner.
And the concept of cooking methi or drumstick leaves feels like a full-time job.
So, let’s make this straightforward and actual.
Actual-world greens. Actual-life methods.
No kale. No quinoa. Simply acquainted, humble heroes — those your grandma used and your fridge in all probability already has.
Fenugreek leaves (Methi): Bitter? Sure. However stir-fried with garlic and moong dal? Magic. Nice for bloating, sugar spikes, and even PMS. Simply as soon as per week is sufficient.
Examine Fenugreek well being advantages right here
Learn Straightforward Ayurveda article on Methi – Fenugreek right here
Drumstick leaves (Moringa): Iron. Protein. Calcium. All packed in. Add to dal, combine into upma, or grind into chutney. Grows in your yard — doesn’t must be imported.
Examine Moringa well being advantages right here
Learn Straightforward Ayurveda article on Shigru – Moringa right here
Candy pumpkin: Typically referred to as “fundamental.” But it surely’s straightforward on the intestine, easy to prepare dinner, and soothing when mashed with ghee and cumin. Intestine-healing consolation meals.
Examine Candy Pumpkin right here
Learn Straightforward Ayurveda Article on Pumpkin right here
Carrots, beets, cabbage: Grate uncooked, toss with lemon and salt — instantaneous salad. No oil. No fuel invoice. No excuses.
Examine Carrots, Beetroots and Cabbage right here
Learn Straightforward Ayurveda Article on Carrot right here
Spinach, amaranth: Add to chapati dough, dal, or combine into paratha. They prepare dinner quick and repair iron ranges.
Examine well being advantages of Spinach and Amaranth right here
Learn Straightforward Ayurveda Article on Spinach right here
Learn Straightforward Ayurveda Article on Amaranth right here
Inexperienced beans, flat beans: – Steam or stir-fry with mustard and chillies. Enhance digestion and hold your intestines transferring — actually.
Examine Inexperienced Beans right here
Learn Straightforward Ayurveda Article on Flat Beans right here
How a lot do you actually need?
Easy components: 3 meals = 3 veggie servings.
That’s it.
A mixture of cooked and uncooked veggies via the day — no fancy recipes wanted:
– Grate carrot into your poha
– Add a sabzi with lunch
– Munch on cucumber earlier than dinner
– Throw palak into dal
– It’s small habits that depend — not a one-time salad.
“I’m not vegetarian — do I nonetheless want all this?”
Completely.
Meat offers protein. Greens deliver steadiness. They cleanse, stabilize, and regulate programs that meat doesn’t contact.
They don’t compete along with your protein — they full your plate.
Last Phrase: Veggies aren’t facet characters.
They’re not the unhappy, soggy stuff left on the nook of your plate.
They’re your temper lifters, digestion supporters, blood sugar stabilizers, and glowing pores and skin secret — all rolled into one.
In the event you grew up considering they’re solely “good for digestion,” you’ve barely scratched the floor.
So, the following time you stroll previous that veggie cart or see a bowl of bhaji within the mess, simply pause.
Choose one thing. Add one thing. Prepare dinner one thing.
As a result of, what you feed your physique at 19 (years of age) decides the way it reveals up for you at 29, 39 (years of age), and past.
Let greens again in your plate.
Not out of guilt. Not as a result of somebody nagged you.
However as a result of your physique — your intestine, your hormones, your mind — is quietly asking for it.
Associated Studying
Learn extra about
– Shaka Varga – greens and their advantages as described by Acharya Charaka right here (Straightforward Ayurveda)
– Harita Varga – raw / uncooked greens and their advantages as described by Acharya Charaka right here (Straightforward Ayurveda)
– Qualities of Greens – described by Acharya Charaka (Straightforward Ayurveda)
