Healthiest Vegetables Of All Time, According to Registered Dietitians

While all vegetables are healthy, some pack more of a nutritional punch than others. Knowing which ones are the absolute most nutrient-rich of all is helpful intel for figuring out what to add to your cart (or even to grow yourself). Of course, buying vegetables you like and know how to cook with is important too; otherwise, that well-intentionally bought produce will end up dying in the crisper.

Can you guess which vegetables geraibunga registered dietitians deem the absolute healthiest? Check out this healthiest vegetables list to see which ones take the crown and get ready to plan your shopping list accordingly. (Spoiler alert: Avocados and sweet potatoes make the list).

The 5 Healthiest Vegetables

1. Avocado

OK, the first one on the list is technically a fruit, but registered dietitian Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, says many consider it a veggie and its benefits are so plentiful that it deserves not only a spot on the list but the top spot. “One-third of a medium avocado provides 20 vitamins and minerals, unsaturated fat, and fiber,” she says. That’s a lot of nutrient variety!

Palinski-Wade says avocados are also helpful in keeping blood sugar levels steady and the unsaturated fats in avocados are linked to helping protect against type two diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Considering that cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S., it’s no wonder why avocado tops the list.

2. Broccoli

Palinski-Wade says she’s a big broccoli fan because they’re rich in glucoraphanin, a compound that is converted into the powerful antioxidant sulforaphane. “This may help to improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels as well as fight against oxidative stress,” she says. Glucoraphanin is linked to helping protect against certain types of cancer, a pretty major benefit. Broccoli is also an unexpected source of calcium, with 43 milligrams per cup.

3. Tomatoes

Like avocados, tomatoes are technically a fruit, but many people consider them a vegetable. Registered dietitian and The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners author Elena Paravantes-Hargitt, RD, says they top her list because they’re rich in antioxidants. One in particular is lycopene, which is linked to reducing the risk of certain cancers and heart disease.

4. Cauliflower

These days cauliflower is everywhere, taking the form of rice, mashed potatoes and pizza crust. Considering the cruciferous veggie’s many health benefits, this is a good thing. Both dietitians favor it because it’s high in antioxidants that protect against inflammation as well as because it contains magnesium [which supports muscle and nerve function], phosphorus [needed to repair and protect cells] and potassium [important for cell health and to maintain a normal blood pressure].

5. Hot peppers

While you may not be able to eat a ton of hot peppers in one setting—or hey, maybe you can—Palinski-Wade says that adding a few to your meals will benefit the body in many ways. “As a rich source of the anti-inflammatory compound capsaicin, hot peppers may help

to reduce blood pressure levels as well as improve blood glucose levels,” she says. “As an added benefit, capsaicin provides metabolism benefits as well.”

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