The 14 Healthiest Leafy Green Vegetables
Leafy green vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. They’re packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber but low in calories. Eating a diet rich in leafy greens can offer numerous health benefits including reduced risk of obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and mental decline ( 1 ). Here are 14 of the healthiest leafy green vegetables to include in your diet. 1. Kale Kale is considered one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables on the planet due to its many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. For example, one cup (67 grams) of raw kale packs 684% of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin K, 206% of the DV for vitamin A and 134% of the DV for vitamin C ( 2 ). It also contains antioxidants such as lutein, carotenoids and beta-carotene, which prevent diseases caused by oxidative stress ( 3 ). To benefit most from all that kale has to offer, it’s best consumed raw since cooking can reduce its nutrient profile ( 4 ). SUMMARY Kale is rich in ...