BREAKING DOWN THE WOODSIDE GREEN
June is National Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Month and we are breaking down a fresh and healthy dish from the new summer menu from Woodside Executive Chef Michael Giampetruzzi. Learn about the benefits you can receive from eating the wide range of fresh vegetables in this summer salad.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are an essential piece to maintaining a healthy diet but also for providing your body with important vitamins and nutrients it needs to function properly and protect you from disease.
WHAT’S INSIDE THE WOODSIDE GREEN?
The Woodside Green was made with the name in mind – everything that goes in it is green. It starts with a base of arugula and spinach and is then topped with broccoli, edamame, cucumber, scallion, radish, pistachio and goat cheese. Last, it is tossed in a house made green goddess dressing. Click on the name of each of the ingredients below to learn more about their benefits.
ARUGULA
Arugula is known for it’s peppery taste. It is high in fiber, antioxidants and phytochemicals while staying low in sugar, calories, carbs and fat. It is also high in a multitude of vital nutrients such as calcium, potassium, folate and vitamins A, K and C. All of these carry benefits that can help support better bone health, nerve, heart and muscle function, produce DNA and support your immune system.
SPINACH
Spinach is low in carbs and high in antioxidants and insoluble fiber which can help with digestion. It is a powerhouse green as it is packed with many essential vitamins and minerals such as: vitamin A, C and K! as well as folic acid, iron, and calcium. These nutrients are great for supporting healthy skin, cell and tissue growth, bringing oxygen to your body’s tissues and supporting your immune and nervous system. Spinach also contains several important plant compounds such as lutein, kaempferol, nitrates, quercetin and zeaxanthin that can improve your eye and heart health and also ward off infection and inflammation.
BROCCOLI
Broccoli carries a high range of benefits with its high levels and array of vitamins, nutrients, minerals, fiber and other bioactive compounds. Broccoli is a great vegetable to help with digestion as well as inflammation. It also carries high levels of antioxidants that support healthy cells and tissues throughout the body. Broccoli is a great source of vitamin C which is essential to proper immune function.
EDAMAME
Edamame are whole but immature soybeans. These beans carry high levels of protein and unlike most plant proteins they provide all the essential amino acids your body needs. Edamame is also high in antioxidants, fiber and vitamins and minerals such as iron, copper, manganese, folate and vitamin K1.
CUCUMBER
Cucumbers are low in calories but high in many important vitamins, minerals and nutrients such as vitamins K and C as well as magnesium, potassium and manganese. They carry a high level of antioxidants that can help support your overall wellness. They are also water dense which promotes hydration through the body. When eating a cucumber, it is best to keep the peel on as that is where most of the nutritional value comes from.
SCALLION
Scallions are a great source of Sulphur which helps build and fix your DNA and protect your cells from damage that can cause disease. They also are rich in fiber which aids with your body’s digestive system. Scallions are also high in vitamin K, A and B-6 which helps aid with blood and bone health, better vision and healthier skin as well as produce neurotransmitters that can help with sleep and your mood.
PISTACHIO
Pistachios are loaded with nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus, thiamine, copper and manganese but are most known for being one of the highest vitamin B6 rich foods you can consume. Vitamin B6 is important for a wide range of bodily functions including blood sugar regulation and the formation of hemoglobin which carries oxygen in red blood cells. Pistachios are also one of the most antioxidant-rich nuts you can consume. They carry the highest content of lutein and zeaxanthin which are extremely important for eye health – they have even been tied to helping fight against damage from blue light. They are a great source of protein while staying low in calories.
RADISH
