Collard greens (or “collards”) are a member of the Brassica family of greens. This means they’re classified as a cruciferous veggie. The dark green color is an indication that they are rich in antioxidants. Collards also contain a lot of vitamins and minerals including calcium. Use them like you would any dark leafy greens such as kale and spinach.

Collard Greens Vitamin Details
USDA provides the following diet data for 1 cup uncooked collards greens.

Energy: 11.5
Fats: 0.22g
Sodium: 6mg
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 1.4g
Sugar: 0.2g
Protein: 1g
Calcium: 83.5mg
Carbohydrates
One cup of collards, uncooked, could contain only 2 grams of carbohydrates. The glycemic index for collards has not been scientifically tested, but it is assumed to be very low. Collard greens are mostly fiber. They have a tiny amount of natural sugar.

Fats
Collard greens are low in fats. The resulting dish, however, will include fats if they are cooked in fats like olive oil. Ingesting them in fat will help you absorb the nutritional vitamins that are fat-soluble in collard greens, such as vitamin Ok.

Protein
Collard greens contain 1 gram of protein per cup, but are not as high in protein as other greens.

Vitamins and minerals for nutrition
Leafy greens such as collards contain a lot of vitamins. Collard greens contain a lot of vitamins, including vitamin A, folate and beta-carotene.

Well being Advantages
As a group, the cruciferous vegetables (which include broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage as well as other leafy greens such kale and cole) have a number of beneficial properties.

Can Reduce Cancer Threat
Some research has shown that cruciferous vegetables may reduce the risk of certain cancers including prostate, lung, and breast cancers.

Heart Health: Improves coronary heart Health
According to an analysis of eight different studies, excessive consumption of leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables is associated with a lower risk of heart disease (as much as 16% less).

By reducing atherosclerosis, cruciferous vegetables can help protect the heart. In a study of women’s vegetable intake, only cruciferous vegetables provided this benefit.

Fiber intake may also assist improve coronary heart health by lowering dangerous ldl-cholesterol and reducing blood pressure.

Reduces the Risk of Chronic Illness
The dietary fibre in collards has a variety of health benefits. People who consume more fiber have a lower risk of stroke, diabetes and weight problems.

Promotes Eye Well being
Lutein is one of the many antioxidants found in collards. This compound, which is related to vitamin A and essential for healthy vision, helps protect the eyes against age-related degeneration.

Cell Repair
Collard greens contain other antioxidants, which can help protect the body from oxidative stress.

Low in FODMAPs
Collard greens are safe for individuals who follow a low FODMAP diet (a diet low in fermentable mono-, di- and polyols, as well as oligosaccharides).

Allergic reactions
If you experience symptoms of an allergy after eating or handling collard greens consult your doctor about the best way to manage this sensitivity.

Anti-Aggression Results
Collard greens contain a lot of vitamin OK. While this is a useful vitamin, it may interfere with certain blood-thinning medications. If you are taking Coumadin, or warfarin, discuss your vitamin O consumption with your doctor.

Collards greens also contain a lot of oxalates which can cause kidney stones in some people. If you have kidney problems, you may want to limit your consumption of collards. You might also consider combining high-oxalate foods like collards with calcium-rich meals (such as dairy products or tofu). These meals are less likely to form kidney stones when consumed together.

Cruciferous greens, particularly when eaten uncooked contain naturally occurring chemicals that can interfere with thyroid function. If you have a thyroid condition, you may need to consume fewer of these greens or cook them before eating.

Variety
Despite the fact that there are many varieties of collards, they do not seem to be sold under different names or as different cultivars. You can also buy frozen or canned collards. These choices are similar to raw collards in terms of nutrition, except that canned collards contain a lot more sodium.

When They’re the Greatest
Collard greens can be found all year round. Search for darkish green leaves (without yellowing) when buying.

Storage and Meals Security
Store collard greens that are still fresh in a plastic bag inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Do not wash until you are prepared to use. To remove dirt, rinse thoroughly or soak in cold water. To freeze, blanch first.

Take a look at this:
Collards can be prepared in many ways, but frivolously cooking them is the best way to extract the maximum amount of vitamins and phytonutrients that prevent cancer.

Rinse the collards thoroughly. Separate the leafy part from the stem. The stem can be eaten but it will take longer to cook dinner. Chop collard greens in bite-sized pieces. You can use them uncooked in many recipes or you can sauté, steam or boil them. Steaming collards will preserve most of their nutritional vitamins and minerals. Boiling may leach minerals and vitamins into the water. Include some fats to help absorb nutritional vitamins and mineral. Try sautéing with olive oil, garlic and lemon juice.

Recipes
Wholesome Collard Greens recipes to Try
Smoky Collards with Chickpeas
Collards with Cornmeal Dumplings
Tuna Salad Collard Inexperienced Wrap
Baked Eggs and Greens