Soulful Collard Greens Without the Guilt! Get the Recipe Now! - BlackDoctor.org (2024)

FAQs

Why are collard greens bad for you? ›

Collard greens are healthy for you, but it is possible to have too much of a good thing. Collard greens are full of fiber, which takes longer for your body to digest than many other substances. Eating too much fiber at once can lead to uncomfortable side effects like bloating or gas.

This might seem like an unusual addition if you're new to making collard greens, but the vinegar adds a welcome tangy note that brightens the dish and balances out the salty, savory flavors. A tablespoon of sugar also helps balance out the greens' potential bitterness.

Collard greens were one of the few vegetables that African-Americans were allowed to grow for themselves and their families back in slavery time. Even after the Africans were emancipated in the late 1800s cooked greens were a comfort in the African-American culture.

The green leaves turn dark green during this long cooking process, and the cooking water will be greatly reduced. Unfortunately, nutrients are leached out into the cooking liquid that many people pour down the drain. This cooking liquid or "pot likker," as it is called in southern states, is full on valuable nutrients.

In 2021, a study concluded that eating 1 cup of leafy greens a day lowers your risk of heart disease. Eating 1 serving of leafy green vegetables has also been associated with slower cognitive decline and increased muscle strength.

Even though including fiber-rich foods in your diet is good for your health, adding too much of it too quickly may cause intestinal gas or bloating. Thus, if you're interested in adding collard greens to your diet, aim to do so gradually, especially if you're not used to eating many high fiber foods.

Collard greens originated near Greece, but it wasn't until the first Africans arrived in Jamestown, Virginia in the early 1600's that America got its first taste of the delicious dark green vegetable.

Many culinary historians agree that the green craze in the South is supported by tastes for spring greens among Celtic and Germanic Southerners but was really spearheaded by people of African descent.” You can read a bunch more about collard history on his blog.

While black-eyed peas are said to have the power to bring luck, they also provide hearty, nutritious meals during the winter months because of their volume when cooked. Similarly, collard greens symbolize money and hope for the future, but are hardy crops able to survive harsh winter temperatures.

You can eat collard greens raw, but the uncooked leaves tend to be slightly bitter and a bit tough. If you want to try them raw in a salad or smoothie, Feller recommends mixing just a few collard leaves in with a majority of milder greens, like spinach.

Do collard greens detox your body? ›

Collard greens are rich in sulfur-containing compounds that support your body's detoxification process.

It is important to not overcook collard greens or kale, as they tend to give off a sulfur smell and taste bitter. Cut the leaves into one-half inch strips and steam for 5 minutes on the stove. Collard greens make a great addition to eggs and bean soup or can be served alone as a steamed vegetable with a dressing.

They're also packed with phytonutrients that help fight disease. “Like all leafy greens, collards are incredibly rich in antioxidants that can help reduce systemic inflammation and combat oxidative stress that can damage cells,” says Maya Feller, RD, author of "Eating From Our Roots" (Rodale Books, 2023).

The high fiber content of leafy greens can cause digestive problems like gas, bloating, cramps or diarrhea in large amounts, especially if you are not used to eating them. The fiber feeds the good bacteria in your gut, but too much at once may lead to excess gas and discomfort.

Vitamin K Helps Blood Clot (Thickens Blood)

This means that eating foods rich in vitamin K (primarily found in leafy green vegetables) can interact with blood thinning drugs, making them less effective. Therefore, it's important to talk with your doctor to make sure that your dosage is appropriate for your diet.

Collard greens are rich in sulfur-containing compounds that support your body's detoxification process.