Healthy Vegetables You Might Not Have Heard Of
Dandelion Greens
Though not as popular as other leafy greens, Dandelion Greens are loaded with an array of vitamins, minerals, and potent plant compounds, including iron, Vitamin K and polyphenol antioxidants. Polyphenol antioxidants are a large group of plant-based compounds found in many fruits, vegetables and other foods and are known for their antioxidant and potential health-promoting properties.
Dandelion Greens are the leaves of the Dandelion plant (Taraxacum officinale).
Studies suggest that dandelion greens may lower blood sugar and cholesterol and help prevent cellular damage. They can be enjoyed raw or cooked and make a great substitute for other greens like spinach or lettuce.
Bitter Melon
Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is a gourd grown worldwide and prized for its powerful medicinal properties.
Many varieties exist, though all have a bitter taste, thus how the vegetable gets its name. They’re often used in dishes like soups, curries, and stir-fries.
The vegetable has long been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions, such as diabetes, pneumonia, kidney disease, and psoriasis.
Research shows that bitter melon has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetes effects due to its abundance of plant compounds.
Tomatillos
Tomatillos, popular in Mexican cuisine, are members of the Nightshade family, alongside tomatoes and eggplants. Tomatillos resemble tomatoes and are covered in a papery husk that’s removed before eating.
When ripe, they take on a green, purple, or red hue, depending on the variety. They’re nutrient-dense and low in calories, with a single cup only 42 calories.
Tomatillos contain over 17% of your daily vitamin C needs and depending on when they are picked offer a different taste. When picked early, they offer a tart taste, whereas when mature, the taste is sweeter.
Rutabagas
Rutabagas, are a cruciferous vegetable in the same family as kale, cauliflower and cabbage.
They’re believed to be a cross between a turnip and a cabbage and bear a close resemblance, in appearance, to turnips. The primary difference is their rougher skin and milder flavor.
Rutabagas are a nutrient-dense veggie that can be enjoyed raw or cooked. They have enormous health benefits in that they are low in calories but rich in nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, phosphorus, potassium, manganese, and magnesium.
