If collard greens were in school they would get an A+ in their Health class because they contain high amounts of multiple vitamins and minerals. According to WHFoods.com, new studies also tout steamed collard's ability to lower cholesterol. Like other dark-colored and cruciferous vegetables, collards may help reduce the risk of certain cancers like colon, endometrial, lung, pancreatic, prostate and stomach cancers, according to Cancer.org.
Vitamins A, B9, C and K
Collards contain more than 75 percent of the daily recommended value for these vitamins, according to a chart published at WHFoods.com. KidsHealth.org lists the benefits of these vitamins: vitamin A helps prevent eye problems, keeps your immune system healthy and promotes cell, nerve and skin health; vitamin B9, or folate, is important for red blood cells and in making DNA; and vitamin C is important for healthy cells, bones, teeth, gums and brain function, as well as for helping your body absorb iron and calcium and heal wounds. Vitamin K is the body's blood-clotting agent and may also play a role in reducing skin irritation from burns and scarring, according to Cancer.org.
Vitamins B2 and B6
The vegetable also contains more than 50 percent of your daily value, vitamin B2, or riboflavin, and vitamin B6 are essential for good health, according to WHFoods.org. Riboflavin helps the body metabolize carbohydrates into energy, produce red blood cells and promote healthy vision and vitamin B6 aids in brain and nerve functions and metabolizing proteins into red blood cells.
Vitamins B3, B5 and E
Vitamins B3, B5 and E occur in collards at levels that are more than 25 percent of the body's daily requirements, according to WHFoods.org. Vitamin B3, or niacin, promotes healthy skin and nerves as well as helping the body metabolize food. Vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid, helps with overall health and development. According to Kidshealth.org, vitamin E is an antioxidant, protecting cells and keeping red blood cells healthy.
Using Collards
Add chopped collards to stews and soups for added fiber and nutrition or saute collards with garlic and red pepper flakes to eat on their own or as a bed for salmon. WHFoods.org recommends steaming collards for five minutes and serving as a salad green.
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