Then Eat Your Greens with White Oak Farm Ray Elgersma & Dave McGahey at the Carleton Place Farmer’s Market

Mother was right – eating your greens really can improve your health!
Spinach, broccoli, cabbage, kale and even lettuce contain the beneficial chemical nitrate which can reach all parts of the body. In three independent studies they found leafy green vegetables can thin the blood, ensuring oxygen is delivered efficiently. around the body and cutting the risk of dangerous clots, stroke and heart attacks.

What about nitrates? Is that Ah nitrates, …. is that a bacon sandwich and a glass of beer? Ahh No! LOL

It has long been thought that nitrate-rich vegetables have cardiovascular beneficial attirbutes. Research suggests that a previously unsuspected mechanism by which nitrate controls red blood cell production is important. These findings add to the evidence that dietary nitrate promotes cardiovascular health.’A second study in The Journal of Physiology, shows that consuming nitrate by eating a few more leafy greens or beetroot, could protect vital proteins in heart cells and increase a compound that causes blood vessels to widen, allowing the heart to pump more efficiently. But I don’t need to tell you this right?

Sauteed Swiss Chard with Parmesan Cheese
Original recipe makes 2 cups
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 small red onion, diced
1 bunch Swiss chard, stems and center ribs cut out and chopped together, leaves coarsely chopped separately
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, or to taste
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
salt to taste (optional)

McGahey and White Oak Farms are producers known for their locally grown garlic, greens, potatoes and carrots. They have 21 vegetables that we will be selling this season. While they are not certified organic there have been no pesticides or fertilizers used on their garden for over 24 years.