Short Answer: Collard greens are keto friendly and have 0.6g of net carbs, 0.22g of fat, and 1g of protein per cup. Because they are low in net carbs and high in fiber, making them suitable for the keto diet.
Collard greens are leafy vegetables that belong to the cabbage family, similar to kale and broccoli.
They are known for their sturdy, dark green leaves and slightly bitter, earthy flavor.
Collard greens are typically cooked until tender and can be sautéed, boiled, or added to soups and stews.
The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat, and moderate-protein diet that aims to put your body into a metabolic state called ketosis.
In ketosis, your body burns fat for fuel instead of glucose.
To follow the keto diet, you need to limit your net carbs (total carbs minus fiber) to about 20 to 50 grams per day, depending on your individual needs. You also need to get about 70 to 80% of your calories from fat, and 10 to 20% from protein.
Collard greens have 2g of carbohydrates, 0.22g of fat, and 1g of protein per cup of raw serving.
They are also high in fiber, with 1.4g per cup, which reduces the net carbs to 0.6g per cup.
Based on these numbers, collard greens are keto friendly and can fit into your daily macros.
However, you should still be mindful of the quality and quantity of collard greens you consume.
Because while they are low in net carbs, overconsumption could still contribute to exceeding your daily carb limit.
When choosing collard greens, always opt for fresh, vibrant, and firm leaves.
Because fresh collard greens will have the best texture and flavor, and they are more likely to retain their nutritional value.
You can store collard greens in the refrigerator, wrapped in a damp paper towel and placed in an airtight container, for up to 5 days.
Do not store them at room temperature or in direct sunlight, as they will wilt and lose their freshness.
Finally, remember, collard greens are a nutritious addition to a keto diet when consumed in moderation.
They provide essential vitamins and minerals while keeping carb intake low.