Eight super-healthy leafy greens – and why you should eat them | City, University of London (2024)

FAQs

Eight super-healthy leafy greens – and why you should eat them | City, University of London? ›

Some of the most nutritious greens include spinach, kale, romaine, watercress, and arugula (see "Salad greens by the numbers"). They are rich in a combination of vitamins A, C, and K; several B vitamins (including folate); and potassium.

Some of the most nutritious greens include spinach, kale, romaine, watercress, and arugula (see "Salad greens by the numbers"). They are rich in a combination of vitamins A, C, and K; several B vitamins (including folate); and potassium.

Salad greens, kale and spinach are rich in vitamins A, C, E and K, and broccoli, bok choy and mustard are also rich in many of the B-vitamins. These vegetables also contain an abundance of carotenoids-antioxidants that protect cells and play roles in blocking the early stages of cancer.

Green vegetables, especially leafy greens, are one of the healthiest things to include in your diet. They are packed with micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) your body needs to prevent disease and maintain well-being. The healthiest green veggies are those with the darkest color because they are more nutrient-dense.

The health benefits of leafy greens

Minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium and iron, vital for strong bones, healthy muscles, nerve function and oxygen transport. Fiber, which promotes healthy gut bacteria, aids digestion, regulates blood sugar, and can reduce inflammation and bloating.

Veggies like mushrooms, baby spinach, bean sprouts, lettuce, and peas can be good for boosting your gut health, specifically. These vegetables are great for your gut because of their fiber or water contents, or because they contain plant compounds called polyphenols.

Q: Are some types of lettuce safer than others? A: Because contamination can happen anywhere from farm to table, no single type of leafy green is risk-free. But hydroponic lettuces (which are greenhouse-grown) are less likely to be contaminated by bacteria from animal droppings.

While all lettuce is going to provide you with healthy vitamins and minerals, romaine lettuce is the most nutrient-dense, says registered dietitian Danielle Crumble Smith. “It's going to have the highest amount of vitamin A, K, C,” she says.

Add to that the fact that most leafy green vegetables contain high levels of fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium, folate, and calcium, are rich in v​​itamins A, C, E and K, and have very little sodium, cholesterol, and carbohydrates, you can see why green vegetables should be a part of your daily diet.

Cucumbers are popular long, lean, and green garden vegetables. Technically, they're fruits from the same family as watermelons and pumpkins, but most people consider them veggies.

What is the number 1 healthiest food in the world? ›

1. Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale, Swiss Chard) Leafy greens are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are rich in vitamin K, which supports bone health, and vitamin C, which boosts the immune system.

Long time effects of not eating enough vegetables may include: Digestive issues, such as constipation. Diseases caused by vitamin and mineral deficiencies, such as scurvy (Vitamin C deficiency), bleeding disorder (Vitamin K deficiency), Anaemia (Iron deficiency) and Osteoporosis (Calcium deficiency)

It is OK to consume [greens powders] daily, keeping in mind that we don't have a whole lot of research to back up their effectiveness. The best investment would be on whole vegetables and fruits rather than a supplement—this is always the rule of thumb," says Wright.

Romaine lettuce is higher in vitamin A and folate, which are important for vision and cell function. Arugula, on the other hand, provides more vitamin C and calcium per serving. Both greens are low in calories and rich in antioxidants, making them valuable additions to a healthy diet.