Getting The Most Out Of Your Vegetables
In 2014 scientists produced a list of 41 powerhouse vegetables that they concluded provide the most health benefits from the 17 nutrients most associated with lower rates of chronic diseases. Vegetables were ranked by nutrient density, bio-availability, and calorie cost.
About The Method
Science has long asserted that certain foods are associated with lower rates of chronic diseases (heart disease, diabetes, etc.), and the authors of the study sought to classify those foods, using their nutrient density, bio-availability (ease with which the body can use those nutrients), and caloric value.
What Were The Results?
The 41 most nutritionally dense vegetables in order:
- Watercress (Score: 100.00)
- Chinese cabbage (Bok Choy) (Score: 91.99)
- Chard (Score: 89.27)
- Beet green (Score: 87.08)
- Spinach (Score: 86.43)
- Chicory (Score: 73.36)
- Leaf lettuce (Score: 70.73)
- Parsley (Score: 65.59)
- Romaine lettuce (Score: 63.48)
- Collard green (Score: 62.49)
- Turnip green (Score: 62.12)
- Mustard green (Score: 61.39)
- Endive (Score: 60.44)
- Chive (Score: 54.80)
- Kale (Score: 49.07)
- Dandelion green (Score: 46.34)
- Red pepper (Score: 41.26)
- Arugula (Score: 37.65)
- Broccoli (Score: 34.89)
- Pumpkin (Score: 33.82)
- Brussels sprout (Score: 32.23)
- Scallion (Score: 27.35)
- Kohlrabi (Score: 25.92)
- Cauliflower (Score: 25.13)
- Cabbage (Score: 24.51)
- Carrot (Score: 22.60)
- Tomato (Score: 20.37)
- Lemon (Score: 18.72)
- Iceberg lettuce (Score: 18.28)
- Strawberry (Score: 17.59)
- Radish (Score: 16.91)
- Winter squash (Score: 13.89)
- Orange (Score: 12.91)
- Lime (Score: 12.23)
- Grapefruit (pink/red) (Score: 11.64)
- Rutabaga (Score: 11.58)
- Turnip (Score: 11.43)
- Blackberry (Score: 11.39)
- Leek (Score: 10.69)
- Sweet potato (Score: 10.51)
- Grapefruit (white) (Score: 10.47)
How Do I Use The List?
That’s completely up to you! When I first came across the list, I quickly checked it for things regularly featured in my fridge (tomatoes, lettuce, etc.) and then made an effort to immediately incorporate into my diet several more of the foods on the list, especially those in the upper half. As a result, I now know what the allium vegetables are, regularly cook with bok choy, and have found about 100 uses for baby spinach.
If you’re shopping for more than yourself, show the list to everybody in the household and have them circle their favorites. Those foods that everybody agrees on can become staples and always be available, but — as always — make sure you’re eating a wide variety of vegetables, as too many servings of any one thing can actually be harmful.
Perhaps the best thing about the list is how readily available most of the foods are, and how easily they can be added to a home cook’s repertoire. Experiment, and enjoy knowing that you just significantly — and cheaply — improved your health.
Share This Story
More Stories
Virginia Beach Among Top 10 Cities for Outdoor Enthusiasts
They examined 95 of the largest U.S. cities across a range of livability, employment, and outdoor…
Most Read
More Stories
The 757 Is Getting A New Area Code, But Not Right Now
948 is coming to the 757.
Virginia Beach Is The Best US City For Real Estate Agents
There are around 2 million active real estate agents in...
Chesapeake & Virginia Beach Among The Best-Run Cities In The US
Cities vary significantly in their effectiveness in governance and administration..
Virginia Beach AGAIN Called Best Big City To Live In
The Beach is back on top as the best big city in the US to live in after sliding to 2nd place in 2018.
Are You Getting Enough Probiotics?
Your health and well-being starts in your gut.
How Good Is Virginia Beach For Those With An Active Lifestyle?
How good is VB for those with an active lifestyle?
Virginia Beach Fishing Piers
Virginia Beach is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts…
Virginia Governor Gives State Of The Commonwealth Address
State Of The Commonwealth 2021 video.