The healthiest vegetables in the produce aisle

recently published what it considers to be the five healthiest vegetables found in grocery stores throughout the U.S.

Leafy greens, such as spinach and especially kale, topped the list, followed by other green vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Tomatoes also proved to be winners in terms of the health benefits that they can provide us.

Kale is a true superfood. The leafy green has one of the highest antioxidant contents of any vegetable. It’s also low in calories and high in fiber, iron, calcium, and vitamins K, A, and C. These nutrients make it a great anti-inflammatory food, as well as a good one for cardiovascular health, and it can help to prevent certain cancers, as well.

Spinach contains high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin, two immune-boosting antioxidants that are important for eye health. Additionally, studies show that among cancer-fighting produce, spinach is one of the most effective. One of the little-known facts about this food is that when it's cooked, you get more nutrients than if you were to eat it raw. Spinach is also essential in building bones, digestion, and skin care.

Broccoli is known to be high in vitamin K and vitamin C, which help promote bone health and prevent osteoporosis. And what really makes this vegetable stand out is its cancer-fighting potential due to its fill of antioxidants. It’s also known for boosting immunity to fend off colds, and contains a good deal of protein, too.

Brussels sprouts are one of the best vegetables for getting your fiber as well as several vitamins and minerals. These tiny cabbages contain vitamins, A, C, E, and K and essential omega-3 fatty acids. The fiber content helps to lower cholesterol and aids in digestion, and the high levels of glucobrassicin, have been shown to combat inflammation and increase cardiovascular health. The presence of vitamin C is an immune system booster.

Tomatoes are full of vitamins and high in lycopene (an antioxidant that can fight cancer), tomatoes are another vegetable not to skip in the produce aisle. They also have the ability to keep our blood pressure in check and have been shown to fight heart disease as well as high cholesterol.

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