The 8 Healthiest Vegetables You Can Eat
We all know that eating vegetables is good for us — but some veggies stand out when it comes to their nutrient content, like these top eight.
1. Broccoli
This cruciferous vegetable is packed with nutrients, including 115% of your daily vitamin K needs, 135% of your daily vitamin C, plus folate, manganese, and potassium. Broccoli also contains sulforaphane, a powerful compound that fights cancer and free radicals in the body.
2. Spinach
With only 7 calories per cup, spinach packs in 56% of your daily vitamin A plus your entire daily vitamin K requirements. Plus, spinach has antioxidants, including lutein and beta-carotene, which reduce cancer risk and improve heart and eye health.
3. Garlic
Even though it can stink up your breath, garlic is exceptionally nutritious. Garlic is loaded with antioxidants and compounds that support heart health, fight cancer, and boost immunity.
4. Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are in the cruciferous family, so they have similar benefits to broccoli. They support liver detoxification, fight free radicals, and contain vitamins A, C, K, folate, and potassium,
5. Parsley
Parsley is not just for plate garnishes; it’s also one of the world’s healthiest herbs. Parsley contains loads of vitamin K, plus the flavonoids apigenin and luteolin, which are plant compounds that may fight memory loss and age-related brain degeneration.
6. Kale
Like spinach, kale is packed with vitamins C and K. Kale also has vitamin A, B vitamins, potassium, calcium, and copper, which can lower blood pressure and support heart health.
7. Ginger
Ginger root has been used for centuries to support digestion and better immunity. It’s also highly anti-inflammatory, which can help with joint pain, arthritis, lupus, and gout.
8. Red Cabbage
Red cabbage is loaded with anthocyanin, a powerful antioxidant that gives foods a red, purple, or blue color (think: blueberries and red onions). As a cruciferous vegetable, red cabbage also supports detoxification and liver health.