If you had to name the healthiest vegetable, what would you pick? Broccoli? Kale? Carrots? Nope. While those are all good for you, the vegetable deemed the healthiest by the CDC is one you won’t find in many fridges in the U.S. – watercress.
The leafy green scored a perfect 100 out of 100 in nutrient density. So what is it and why is it so good? Watercress is an aquatic plant that grows in shallow water or damp soil. It has a peppery flavor and is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
While you can cook watercress, experts say it’s better to have it raw to reap all the health benefits. Just toss it into a salad, add it to a sandwich, or use it as a garnish on soup, omelets, and more.
Here are some other powerhouse vegetables, according to the CDC:
- Chinese cabbage – 92 points
- Swiss chard – 89 points
- Beetroot – 87 points
- Spinach – 86 points
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