Teeming with antioxidants like beta carotene, dandelion greens have been shown to protect against cell damage, which can ultimately help fend off chronic diseases.
Plus, their rich source of lutein and zeaxanthin supports eye health, while their vitamin C and K content helps promote healthy bones. And that's not all these leafy greens can do.
2. Bok choy
Bok choy is a cruciferous vegetable, which means it's in the same family as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. "Cruciferous vegetables reduce the risk of cancer
and contain carcinogen-fighting nutrients like vitamin C, E, beta-carotene, folate, and selenium, which has been shown to slow tumor growth,"
3. Broccoli sprouts
These leafy greens are 3-to-5-day-old broccoli plants with small green leaves that resemble alfalfa sprouts. While they offer the same number of calories
and macronutrients as broccoli per ounce, they pack around 100 times more glucoraphanin."…when chewed or cut, [glucoraphanin] is converted into the superstar phytochemical sulforaphane,
which has powerful anti-cancer effects, including promoting cancer cell death [and] lowering inflammation and susceptibility to cancer-causing toxins,"
4. Watercress
According to a ranked list of "powerhouse fruits and vegetables," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) crowned watercress as the most nutrient-dense vegetable.
This means it contains the most nutrients in the fewest number of calories. Therefore, this green is especially helpful when it comes to disease prevention and weight loss.
5. Spinach
Spinach is full of carotenoids, which help "mop up" free radicals known for creating cell damage, The Nutrition Twins explain. They also note that research has shown these leafy greens to
protect against stomach, colon, mouth, and esophagus cancers.As a rich source of potassium, spinach has been linked to lowered blood pressure, while its lutein content Boosts cognitive function