NEED VARIETY IN YOUR LEAFY GREENS? 8 MORE TO TRY!

Do you find yourself eating the same greens over and over? It might be time to fill your life with some variety, here are 8 leafy greens for the win!


BY: EMILY WEEKS, RDN, LD

As creatures of habit, we often find ourselves getting in the routine of purchasing and eating the same foods.  When it comes to getting in more leafy veggies, knowing your different choices beforehand can make it even easier to get your green on.

Here are 8 greens to choose from:

KALE

Kale is very popular, and for good reason. It’s the “gold standard” of leafy greens– packed full of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, B6, potassium, and contains minerals such as copper and manganese. Kale is so versatile– you can throw it into a smoothie, roast it into chips, make a salad, or sautee it and serve as a side.

ARUGULA

This peppery green is also known as rocket or rucola. It’s commonly used in Italian dishes, and is packed full of vitamin K. Arugula is also a great source of folate, a nutrient that’s important for heart health and crucial for women of childbearing age.

BUTTER LETTUCE

Butterhead lettuce is more delicate and sweet than other types of lettuce. It has large, cupped leaves, that are the perfect replacement for wraps. It’s also rich in vitamin K, which is vital for normal blood clotting.  Like other greens, this tender lettuce is packed full of vitamin A and folate.

RED LEAF LETTUCE

Red leaf lettuce is a good source of vitamin A, which may help support a healthy immune system and keep your skin looking younger, as well as vitamin K, which helps strengthen your bones as well as make your blood clot. This leafy green also contains some lutein and zeaxanthin, nutrients that are important for eye health, mainly by helping to prevent macular degeneration.

GREEN LEAF LETTUCE

Green leaf is a popular lettuce and has a nutritional profile similar to red leaf. Green leaf has slightly more vitamin C, which provides your immune system with a boost, promotes healthy skin, and is good for your heart.

RADICCHIO

Radicchio has a bitter taste and is very high in fiber, helping with colon health and weight management. It’s very high in antioxidants, and inulin, which helps regulate blood sugar levels.

ENDIVE

Endive is in the same group as radicchio, and boasts nutrients including vitamin A, and vitamin C, which both boost your immune system and fight off infections. It’s also contains calcium to keep your bones and teeth strong. Endive is also high in vitamin C, an antioxidant that may help to prevent Alzheimer’s and prostate cancer.

ICEBERG

Iceberg has a bad rap for having no nutritional benefit. While it is lower in nutrients than other greens, it’s not completely void of nutrition. In two cups, you’ll get 30% of your daily value of vitamin K, 10% of vitamin A, 7% of folate, and 4% of potassium.  Iceberg lettuce has a crisp, crunchy texture and only 8 calories per cup.

Adapted from the original article.

Emily Weeks, RDN, LD is a nationally-recognized nutrition and culinary expert based in Fort Worth, TX. Emily believes the path to a nourished, happy life is to develop a healthy relationship with food, our minds and our bodies. She focuses on helping others achieve a life of balance and harmony through mindfulness and nourished bodies. Read more from Emily at Zen and Spice.