Rainbow chard, one of our favorites here at Mana is packed with nutrients and worth learning a bit about. So, in honor of our health we gathered some interesting and informative facts about this leafy green and bundled it all up for your enjoyment.
“Rainbow chard is the common name used to describe chard that has a variety of bright yellow, red, orange and purple stalks in each bunch. With an identical taste and similar nutrition to the more common green-stemmed chard often called Swiss chard, rainbow chard can be eaten raw in salads, braised or added to soups, stews or gratins. Store fresh rainbow chard in the refrigerator and use it within four days.” –livestrong.com
This article also listed some of the health benefits of Rainbow chard…
- Virtually fat-free
- Excellent source of dietary fiber
- Outstanding way to get vitamins A and K
- Packed with Iron
- Full of phytochemicals (the colorful stem is packed with antioxidants)
OrganicFacts.Net also had a lot to say about the nutritional qualities of rainbow chard…
“The many health benefits attributed to chard are due to its impressive list of vitamins, nutrients, and organic compounds, which include vitamin K, vitamin C, and vitamin A, as well as vitamin E, riboflavin, and vitamin B6. In terms of minerals, Swiss chard has a wealth of magnesium, manganese, potassium, iron, sodium, and copper. Furthermore, in addition to dietary fiber, Swiss chard has a significant amount of polyphenolic antioxidants, phytonutrients, and enzymes that are unique and highly beneficial to your health.” -organicfacts.net
Bone Health
"Swiss chard (and Rainbow chard) has a significant amount of calcium in those leaves, which means that Swiss chard is a major boost for bone health. Calcium, as well as the other minerals found in this vegetable help to stimulate bone growth and development, including magnesium and vitamin K."
Brain Booster
"Swiss chard (and rainbow chard) is a valuable source of both potassium and vitamin K, both of which are found in significant amounts in the brain, and are integral parts of boosting cognitive development and abilities. Add some Swiss chard to your diet and expand your mind!"
Blood Circulation
"Iron and copper are both essential elements of red blood cells, and without those two minerals, people can develop anemia, which shows itself as weakness, fatigue, stomach disorders, and lack of concentration. By ensuring a proper amount of red blood cells by eating food like Swiss chard, you can increase circulation of the blood and oxygenation of essential organs within the body."
Blood Pressure and Heart Health
"The anti-inflammatory and phytonutrient antioxidants found in Swiss chard (and rainbow chard), along with potassium, all contribute to reducing blood pressure and stress on the cardiovascular system."
The above only scratches the surface when it comes to listing all the health benefits of rainbow chard… and what makes the world a healthier place makes all of us at Mana a happier bunch. Also, we believe in the saying that “you are what you eat,” so eat chard and be healthy! Cheers!
**Reminder:
Although we're confident in what we know and report, and we care very much about our customers and blog audience, we're not doctors and it's the responsibility of the consumer/reader to make decisions based on the specifics of their bodies and medical conditions. Mana Foods assumes no responsibility when it comes to nutritional recommendations.
