The Top 5 Healthiest Vegetables to Include in Your Diet
Maintaining a healthy diet and preventing health issues requires us to eat a balanced and nutrient-rich diet.[0] Vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet, as they are full of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. With so many types of vegetables to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which are the healthiest. To help make the decision easier, here are the top five healthiest vegetables according to experts.
Spinach: According to PureWow, Popeye was onto something.[0] Spinach is a dark leafy green that contains high levels of iron, potassium, magnesium and carotenoids (like vitamin A), as well as vitamins K, C, E and B. These vitamins and minerals are essential for blood clotting, bone metabolism, and a healthy immune system, plus it has antioxidants for anti-aging and anti-inflammation.[1]
Watercress: SciTechDaily says watercress tops the list of nutrient-dense vegetables per calorie.[0] Eating it raw helps retain more of its vitamin C, plus it contains vitamin K, important for blood clotting and bone density, and beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A and an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.[0]
Kale: This popular dark green vegetable is a nutrition powerhouse, high in antioxidants that fight cancer.[0] It has an inhibitory effect on malignant cells as it is abundant in folate, fiber, calcium, vitamins A and C, and much more.[0]
Carrots: GoodHousekeeping confirms that carrots are good for your eyes, as they are full of phytochemicals, such as beta-carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A, helping improve vision — especially at night.[0] Additionally, studies show that eating foods high in carotenes, such as carrots, is linked to a decreased risk of breast cancer.[0]
Beet Greens: Stacker says beet greens have greater nutritious worth than the root itself.[0] Rich in flavonoids, B-carotene, and lutein, as well as vitamins A, C, and K, these nutrients may help to prevent cancer.[2] WedMD also notes that beet greens are high in vitamin K, which is linked to a lower chance of getting type 2 diabetes.[0]
0. “Most Nutritious Vegetables: Top 5 Veggies Most Recommended By Experts” Study Finds, 20 Feb. 2023, https://studyfinds.org/most-nutritious-vegetables/
1. “Cruciferous vegetables: Nutritious foods you need to balance hormones” Health shots, 15 Feb. 2023, https://www.healthshots.com/healthy-eating/nutrition/cruciferous-vegetables-nutritious-foods-you-need-to-balance-hormones/
2. “Top 5 healthiest vegetables that should be part of your diet” The News International, 21 Feb. 2023, https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1042810-top-5-healthiest-vegetables-that-should-be-part-of-your-diet
