Swiss Chard

Swiss chard, like other bright, leafy greens is highly nutritious because of the phytonutrients that give it its rich color. Chard is an excellent source of iron, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and vitamins K, B, A and C. As such, chard has powerful disease prevention and immune-boosting qualities. Chard has shown to promote healthy bone growth, low blood pressure and even to aid in the treatment of patients suffering from Alzheimer's. Though Swiss Chard is available year round, it is best in the summer months. Chard can be eaten while the leaves are young and tender, or in maturity, when the leaves are larger and the stems tougher. Young chard is delicious raw, but mature chard (like winter greens such as kale or collard greens) is best braised, boiled, or sauteed.

It is important to note that chard does contain trace amounts of oxalic acid which can consolidate into stones in the urinary tracts of some people. Thus its recommended that people with known urinary stone problems regulate their intake of this veggie and drink plenty of water along with it.

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