Keep on eating those green leafy vegetables! Huffington Post reports that green veggies don't only reduce your fat intake but also helps you keep your digestive system healthy.

Researchers from the Walters + Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Australia have found that a gene called the T-bet produces immune cells called innate lymphoid cells (ILC), which help maintain a healthy digestive environment and prevent conditions such as bowel cancer and food allergies.

In order to produce ILC, the T-bet relies on food signals--specifically proteins found in leafy vegetables. At the moment, however, more research may be needed. "We are very interested in looking at how the products of these vegetables are able to talk to T-bet to make [innate lymphoid cells], which will give us more insight into how the food we eat influences our immune system and gut bacteria," says study researcher Dr. Gabrielle Belz.

At the very least, it's safe to say that by eating a lots of greens, the T-bet will be activated to make ILC, which in turn results in a healthier tummy. Aside from this benefit, consuming produce such as spinach and broccoli can also give you your daily dose of vitamins A, and C, potassium, and folate.

(Photo by net_efekt via Flickr Creative Commons)