What are the most healthful vegetables?

What are the most healthful vegetables?

Eating plenty of vegetables may be one of

the simplest ways to improve health and well-being.

    All vegetables contain healthful vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber — but some

stand out for their exceptional benefits.
    Specific vegetables may offer more health advantages to certain people, depending on

their diets, overall health, and nutritional needs.
    In this article, we look at 15 of the most healthful vegetables and suggest ways to

enjoy them as part of a balanced diet.
    1. Spinach
    Spinach is a leafy green vegetable and a great source of calcium, vitamins, iron, and

antioxidants.
    Due to its iron and calcium content, spinach is a great addition to any meat- or

dairy-free diet.
    One cup of raw spinach is mostly made up of water and contains only 7 caloriesTrusted

Source. It also provides:
    an adult’s full daily requirementTrusted Source of vitamin K
    high amounts of vitamin A
    vitamin C
    magnesium
    folate
    iron
    calcium
    antioxidants
    Vitamin K is essential for a healthy body — especially for strong bones, as it

improves the absorption of calcium.
    Spinach also provides a good amount of iron for energy and healthy blood, and a high

level of magnesium for muscle and nerve function.
    It is also rich in antioxidants, and researchTrusted Source suggests that spinach

leaves may lower blood pressure and benefit heart health.
    If a person is taking blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin), they should use

caution when increasing their intake of dark leafy greens. Doctors recommend maintaining a

consistent vitamin K intake over time for people taking these medications.
    How to eat spinach
    People enjoy spinach raw in salads, sandwiches, and smoothies. Cooked spinach also has

significant health benefits and is a great addition to pasta dishes and soups.
    2. Kale
  Kale is a very popular leafy green vegetable products with several health benefits. It provides around 7

caloriesTrusted Source per cup of raw leaves and good amounts of vitamins A, C, and K.
    Kale may benefit people with high cholesterol. One small 2008 study reports that males

with high cholesterol who drank 150 milliliters of kale juice each day for 12 weeks

experienced a 10% reduction in low-density lipoprotein, or “bad,” cholesterol and a 27%

increase in high-density lipoprotein, or “good,” cholesterol.
    Research from 2015Trusted Source, meanwhile, suggests that kale juice can reduce blood

pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
    If a person is taking blood thinners, such as Coumadin, they should use caution when

increasing their intake of dark leafy greens. It is best to maintain a consistent vitamin K

intake while taking these medications.
    How to eat kale
    People use baby kale in pasta dishes, salads, and sandwiches. A person may also enjoy

kale chips or juice.
    3. Broccoli
    Broccoli is an incredibly healthful vegetable that belongs to the same family as

cabbage, kale, and cauliflower, fresh garlic, fresh onion, etc. These are all cruciferous vegetables.
    Each cup of chopped and boiled broccoli contains:
    around 31 caloriesTrusted Source
    the full daily requirement of vitamin K
    twice the daily recommended amount of vitamin C
    According to the National Cancer InstituteTrusted Source, animal research has found

that certain chemicals, called indoles and isothiocyanates, in cruciferous vegetables may

inhibit the development of cancer in several organs, including the bladder, breasts, liver,

and stomach.
    These compounds may protect cells from DNA damage, inactivate cancer-causing agents,

and have anti-inflammatory effects. However, research in humans has been mixed.
    How to eat broccoli
    Broccoli is very versatile. People can roast it, steam it, fry it, blend it into soups,

or enjoy it warm in salads.
    4. Peas
    Peas are a sweet, starchy vegetable. They contain 134 caloriesTrusted Source per cooked

cup, and they are rich in:
    fiber, providing 9 grams (g) per serving
    protein, providing 9 g per serving
    vitamins A, C, and K
    certain B vitamins
    Green peas are a good source of plant-based protein, which may be especially beneficial

for people with vegetarian or vegan diets.
    Peas and other legumes contain fiber, which supports good bacteria in the gut and helps

ensure regular bowel movements and a healthy digestive tract.
    They are also rich in saponins, plant compounds that may help protect againstTrusted

Source oxidative stress and cancer.
    How to eat peas
    It might be handy to keep a bag of peas in the freezer and gradually use them to boost

the nutritional profiles of pasta dishes, risottos, and curries. A person might also enjoy

a refreshing pea and mint soup.
    5. Sweet potatoes
    Sweet potatoes are root vegetables. Baked in its skin, a medium sweet potato provides

103 caloriesTrusted Source and 0.17 g of fat.
    Each sweet potato also contains:
    much more than an adult’s daily requirement of vitamin A
    25% of their vitamin C and B6 requirements
    12% of their potassium requirement
    beta carotene, which may improve eye health and help fight cancer
    Sweet potatoes may be a good option for people with diabetes. This is because they are

low on the glycemic index and rich in fiber, so they may help regulate blood sugar.
    How to eat sweet potatoes
    For a simple meal, bake a sweet potato in its skin and serve it with a source of

protein, such as fish or tofu.
    6. Beets
    One cup of raw beets contains:
    58.5 caloriesTrusted Source
    442 milligrams (mg) of potassium
    148 micrograms of folate
    Beets and beet juice are great for improving heart health, as the vegetable is rich in

heart-healthy nitrates. A small 2012 studyTrusted Source reports that drinking 500 g of

beet juice significantly lowered blood pressure in healthy people.
    These vegetables may also benefit people with diabetes. Beets contain an antioxidant

called alpha-lipoic acid, which might be helpfulTrusted Source for people with diabetes-

related nerve problems, called diabetic neuropathy.
    How to eat beets
    Roasting beets brings out their natural sweetness, but they also taste great raw in

juices, salads, and sandwiches.
    7. Carrots
    Each cup of chopped carrots contains 52 caloriesTrusted Source and over four times an

adult’s daily recommended intake of vitamin A, in the form of beta carotene.
    Vitamin A is vital for healthy eyesight, and getting enough of this nutrient may help

prevent vision loss.
    Certain nutrients in carrots may also have cancer-fighting properties. A 2018

reviewTrusted Source of 10 articles reports that dietary carrot intake was associated with

a reduced risk of breast cancer.
    How to eat carrots
    Carrots are extremely versatile. They work well in casseroles and soups, and they

provide great health benefits when eaten raw, possibly with a dip such as hummus.
    8. Fermented vegetables
    Fermented vegetables provide all the nutrients of their unfermented counterparts as

well as healthful doses of probiotics.
    Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that are present in the body and in some foods and

supplements. Some researchers believe that they can improve gut health.
    According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative HealthTrusted

Source, probiotics may help with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. They may also

prevent infection- or antibiotic-induced diarrhea.
    Some good vegetables for fermentation include:
    cabbage, as sauerkraut
    cucumbers, as pickles
    carrots
    cauliflower
    How to eat fermented vegetables
    People eat fermented vegetables in salads, sandwiches, or as a side dish.
    9. Tomatoes
    Although tomatoes are technically a fruit products, most people treat them like vegetables and use them in

savory dishes. Each cup of chopped, raw tomatoes contains:
    32 caloriesTrusted Source
    427 mg of potassium
    24.7 mg of vitamin C
    Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. ResearchTrusted Source suggests that

lycopene may help prevent prostate cancer, and the beta carotene in tomatoes also helps

combat cancer.
    Meanwhile, other potent antioxidants in tomatoes, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, may

protect vision.
    The Age-Related Eye Disease StudyTrusted Source reports that people who have high

dietary intakes of these substances have a 25% reduced risk of age-related macular

degeneration.
    How to eat tomatoes
    People enjoy tomatoes raw or cooked, and cooking them releases more lycopene.
    10. Garlic
    People have long used garlic in cooking and medicine. Each garlic clove contains just 4

caloriesTrusted Source and is low in vitamins and minerals.
    However, garlic is a natural antibiotic. For example, a 2018 reviewTrusted Source notes

that people have used garlic for purposes similar to those of antibiotics since the 16th

century.
    Allium, a component of garlic, may be the source of its health benefits. Confirming

this will require more research.
    How to eat garlic
    Heating garlic reduces its health benefits, so it is best to eat garlic raw, in

bruschetta or dips, for example. There is also

dried garlic.
    11. Onions
    Each cup of chopped onions can provideTrusted Source:
    64 calories
    vitamin C
    vitamin B6
    manganese
    Onions and other allium vegetables, including garlic, contain sulfur compounds. Review

studies, including a 2019 reviewTrusted Source and a 2015 reviewTrusted Source, suggest

that these compounds may help protect against cancer.
    How to eat onions
    It can be easy to incorporate onions into soups, stews, stir-fries, and curries. To get

the most from their antioxidants, eat them raw — in sandwiches, salads, and dips such as

guacamole.
    12. Alfalfa sprouts
    Each cup of alfalfa sprouts contains only 8 caloriesTrusted Source and a good amount of

vitamin K.
    These sprouts also boast several compounds that contribute to good health, including:
    saponins, a type of bitter compound with health benefits
    flavonoids, a type of polyphenol known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant

effects
    phytoestrogens, plant compounds that are similar to natural estrogens
    Traditionally, some have used alfalfa sprouts to treat a range of health conditions,

such as arthritis and kidney problems. However, very few scientific investigations have

explored these uses.
    Research suggests that alfalfa sprouts contain antioxidants, which are compounds that

may help fight diseases including cancer and heart disease.
    Eating sprouted legumes such as these may have other benefits. StudiesTrusted Source

suggest that sprouting, or germinating, seeds increases their protein and amino acid

contents.
    Germination may also improveTrusted Source the digestibility of alfalfa and other seeds

and increase their dietary fiber content.
    How to eat alfalfa sprouts
    People enjoy alfalfa sprouts in salads and sandwiches.
    13. Bell peppers
    Sweet bell peppers may be red, yellow, or orange. Unripe, green bell peppers are also

popular, though they taste less sweet.
    A cup of chopped red bell pepper provides:
    39 caloriesTrusted Source
    190 mg of vitamin C
    0.434 mg of vitamin B6
    folate
    beta carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A
    Antioxidants and bioactive chemicals present in bell peppers includeTrusted Source:
    ascorbic acid
    carotenoids
    vitamin C
    beta carotene
    flavonoids, such as quercetin and kaempferol
    How to eat bell peppers
    Bell peppers are extremely versatile and can be easy to incorporate into pasta,

scrambled eggs, or a salad. A person might also enjoy them sliced with a side of guacamole

or hummus.
    14. Cauliflowe

    One cup of chopped cauliflower contains:
    27 caloriesTrusted Source
    plenty of vitamin C
    vitamin K
    fiber
    The American Heart AssociationTrusted Source recommend eating 25 g of dietary fiber

each day to promote heart and gut health.
    Also, cauliflower and other cruciferous vegetables contain an antioxidant called

indole-3-carbinol. ResearchTrusted Source has linked this compound with cancer-combatting

effects in animals. However, confirming the effects in humans requires more research.
    And like broccoli, cauliflower contains another compound that may help combat cancer:

sulforaphane.
    How to eat cauliflower
    A person can pulse raw cauliflower in a blender to make cauliflower rice or turn it

into a pizza base for a low-calorie, comforting treat. People may also enjoy cauliflower in

curries or baked with olive oil and garlic.
    15. Seaweed
    Seaweed, also known as sea vegetables, are versatile and nutritious plants that provide

several health benefits. Common types of seaweed include:
    kelp
    nori
    sea lettuce
    spirulina
    wakame
    Seaweed is one of the few plant-based sources of the omega-3 fatty acids

docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. These are essential for health and are

mostly present in meat and dairy.
    Each type of seaweed has a slightly different nutritional profile, but they are

typically rich in iodine, which is an essential nutrient for thyroid function.
    Eating a variety of sea vegetables can provide the body with several important

antioxidants to reduce cellular damage.
    Also, many types of seaweed contain chlorophyll, which is a plant pigment that has

anti-inflammatory propertiesTrusted Source.
    Brown sea vegetables, such as kelp and wakame, contain another potent antioxidant

called fucoxanthin. ResearchTrusted Source suggests that this has 13.5 times the

antioxidant power of vitamin E.
    How to eat seaweed
    When possible, choose organic seaweed and eat small amounts to avoid introducing too

much iodine into the diet. People enjoy sea vegetables in sushi, miso soups, and as a

seasoning for other dishes.
    Summary
    Eating vegetables every day is important for health. They provide essential vitamins,

minerals, and other nutrients, such as antioxidants and fiber.
    Research consistently shows that people who eat at least 5 servings of vegetables a day

have the lowest risk of many diseases, including cancer and heart disease.
    Enjoy a range of vegetables and fruits like fresh apple and fresh oranges, daily to reap as many health benefits as

possible.