Green leafy vegetables are among the healthiest food options available, packed with a variety of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are essential for overall wellness.
Here are our top 30 picks for the most nutrient-packed green leafy veggies:.
1. Kale
Kale is a nutritional powerhouse, considered to be one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables around. It’s an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, iron, and antioxidants.
It’s also low in calories, making it an excellent choice for weight loss diets.
2. Spinach
Spinach is another superfood that’s packed with nutrients such as vitamin K, vitamin A, folate, and iron.
It’s also an excellent source of antioxidants, making it an ideal choice for maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases.
3. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a colorful leafy vegetable that’s rich in vitamins A, K, and C, as well as magnesium and potassium. It’s also a great source of antioxidants and fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote healthy digestion.
4. Collard Greens
Collard greens are a popular leafy vegetable in Southern cuisine, and for a good reason. These greens are rich in vitamins K, A, and C, as well as calcium and fiber.
They also contain powerful antioxidant compounds that have been linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
5. Bok Choy
Bok choy is a Chinese cabbage that’s packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and calcium. It’s also an excellent source of antioxidants, making it a great choice for maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases.
6. Arugula
Arugula is another nutrient-packed green leafy vegetable that’s a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron. It’s also a good source of antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory effects in the body.
7. Beet Greens
Beet greens are the leafy tops of beets and are a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. They’re also low in calories, making them an ideal choice for weight loss diets.
8. Dandelion Greens
Dandelion greens are a nutrient-dense green leafy vegetable that’s a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. They’re also high in antioxidants and may help reduce inflammation in the body.
9. Watercress
Watercress is a nutrient-dense green leafy vegetable that’s a rich source of vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and iron. It’s also high in antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory effects in the body.
10. Mustard Greens
Mustard greens are a popular leafy vegetable in Southern cuisine and are a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and fiber.
They’re also high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help prevent chronic diseases.
11. Romaine Lettuce
Romaine lettuce is a popular salad green that’s a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and fiber. It’s also low in calories, making it an ideal choice for weight loss diets.
12. Endive
Endive is another nutrient-dense green leafy vegetable that’s a rich source of vitamins A and K, as well as calcium and fiber. It’s also low in calories and can be used as a base for healthy salads.
13. Boston Lettuce
Boston lettuce is a buttery and sweet lettuce that’s a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and fiber. It’s also low in calories and can be used in salads or as a lettuce wrap instead of bread.
14. Cabbage
Cabbage is a versatile leafy vegetable that’s a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants. It’s also low in calories and can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, soups, and stir-fries.
15. Kohlrabi Greens
Kohlrabi greens are the leafy tops of kohlrabi, a root vegetable that’s a rich source of vitamins C and B6, as well as potassium and fiber. The greens are also a good source of vitamins A and K, as well as calcium and iron.
16. Chicory Greens
Chicory greens are a bitter leafy vegetable that’s a good source of vitamins A and K, as well as calcium and iron. They’re also high in antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory effects in the body.
17. Turnip Greens
Turnip greens are the leafy tops of turnips and are a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and fiber. They’re also high in antioxidants and may help prevent chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
18. Red Leaf Lettuce
Red leaf lettuce is a colorful and nutrient-packed leafy vegetable that’s a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and fiber. It’s also low in calories, making it an ideal choice for weight loss diets.
19. Spring Mix
Spring mix is a combination of nutrient-packed green leafy vegetables such as baby spinach, arugula, and red leaf lettuce. It’s an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and fiber.
20. Escarole
Escarole is a nutrient-dense leafy vegetable that’s a good source of vitamins A and K, as well as calcium and fiber. It’s also high in antioxidants and may help reduce inflammation in the body.
21. Frisée
Frisée is a curly green leafy vegetable that’s a good source of vitamins A and K, as well as calcium and fiber. It’s also low in calories and can be used in salads or as a garnish for other dishes.
22. Radicchio
Radicchio is a purple leafy vegetable that’s a good source of vitamins A and K, as well as calcium and fiber. It’s also high in antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory effects in the body.
23. Beetroot
Beetroot is a root vegetable that’s a good source of vitamins C and B6, as well as iron and fiber. It’s also high in antioxidants and may help lower blood pressure and improve athletic performance.
24. Broccoli Rabe
Broccoli rabe is a bitter leafy vegetable that’s a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and fiber. It’s also high in antioxidants and may help prevent chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
25. Collard Spinach
Collard spinach is a leafy vegetable that’s a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and fiber. It’s also high in antioxidants and may help reduce inflammation in the body.
26. Amaranth Greens
Amaranth greens are the leaves of the amaranth plant and are a good source of vitamins A and K, as well as calcium and iron. They’re also high in antioxidants and may help prevent chronic diseases.
27. Mache
Mache, also known as corn salad or lamb’s lettuce, is a leafy vegetable that’s a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as iron and fiber. It’s also low in calories and can be used in salads or sautéed as a side dish.
28. Mizuna
Mizuna is a spicy Japanese green leafy vegetable that’s a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and fiber. It’s also high in antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory effects in the body.
29. Tatsoi
Tatsoi is a leafy green vegetable that’s a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and fiber. It’s also high in antioxidants and may help prevent chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
30. Pak Choi
Pak choi, also known as bok choy, is a leafy green vegetable that’s a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and fiber. It’s also high in antioxidants and may help lower cholesterol levels in the body.