There's a lot of buzz out there about nutrient-dense foods or superfoods.
While an overall healthy dietary pattern (e.g. Mediterranean Diet) is arguably most important for your health, there are certain foods that punch above their weight in terms of health benefits.
One thing that most nutrition experts agree on is that your diet should include lots of vegetables. The below 5 vegetables are some of the best in terms of nutrient-density - packed with vitamins and minerals to support your health and well-being:
Cauliflower
Cauliflower seems to be everywhere these days, thanks to food trends that involve replacing carb-heavy foods with a cauliflower version (see: cauliflower rice or pizza crust). While this might be a good swap in certain cases, it’s a good idea to consume the whole food version to reap maximum health benefits.
Cauliflowers are rich in vitamins C & K and an excellent source of folate. Cauliflower is also naturally high in fiber and low in calories, making it nearly impossible to overeat. Try this cauliflower soup for dinner this week.
Beets
Beets are one of the best foods to include in your diet. Packed full of manganese, fiber, and folate, beets are thought to dilate blood vessels and possibly lower the risk of heart disease. You can eat them raw, boil them, pickle them, or even just drink beet juice. Beets can give you a much-needed energy boost while helping to fight inflammation and keep your blood pressure in check.
Kale
Love it or hate it, kale is very nutritious. The leafy green is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin K, and beta-carotene. Also, kale is thought to support eye health, weight management, and heart health.
BrusselS Sprouts
Did you know that brussels sprouts contain kaempferol which may help fight disease and cancer and prevent against cell damage? Brussels sprouts are also rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, and may help reduce inflammation and normalize blood sugar levels.
Broccoli
Just one cup of broccoli can give you 116% of the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin K and 135% of Vitamin C. It also contains potent antioxidants and bioactive compounds that can fight disease, lower inflammation, keep blood sugar in check, and support brain health.
Conclusion
Your body needs a healthy dose of micronutrients to function optimally. These 5 veggies are some of the most nutrient dense you can buy and make great additions to your plate any time of the day.