15 Under-the-Radar Leafy Greens with Surprising Health Benefits

When we think of leafy greens, spinach, kale, and lettuce are usually the first that come to mind. But there’s a whole world of lesser-known greens that pack an impressive nutritional punch. These underrated greens can offer unique flavors, textures, and surprising health benefits. Adding them to your diet can be a simple way to boost your daily intake of vitamins and minerals.

Chickweed

Chickweed is a small, delicate green with a mild flavor, often overlooked despite its nutritional benefits. It’s packed with vitamins A, C, and D, which help boost the immune system and support skin health. Chickweed is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it great for digestion. You can toss it into a salad, blend it into smoothies, or even make a soothing tea. It’s a simple way to add some extra nutrients to your diet.

Amaranth Greens

Amaranth greens, often found in tropical climates, are packed with iron, calcium, and vitamin C. These leaves are tender and slightly sweet, making them a perfect addition to stir-fries or soups. They also contain antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and support overall health. Amaranth greens are a great option for those looking to improve bone strength and maintain a healthy immune system. Plus, they’re easy to grow in your backyard garden.

Purslane

Purslane may look like a common weed, but it’s actually a powerhouse of nutrition. This leafy green is one of the best plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. It also provides a good amount of vitamins A and C, and its slightly tangy flavor works well in salads or as a garnish. Purslane’s antioxidants help fight free radicals, making it a surprising yet effective addition to a healthy diet. It’s often found in farmer’s markets or can be foraged in some areas.

Watercress

Though watercress has been around for centuries, it often gets overlooked compared to other leafy greens. This peppery-tasting plant is rich in vitamin K, which is essential for bone health and proper blood clotting. Watercress is also a natural detoxifier, helping to cleanse the body by promoting liver health. Its crunchy texture makes it a great addition to sandwiches, salads, or soups. For such a small plant, watercress packs a big nutritional punch.

Mache (Corn Salad)

Mache, also known as corn salad, is a tender green with a mild, nutty flavor. It’s an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as vitamins C and B6, which support heart health and energy levels. This green is often found in gourmet salads, but it’s easy to grow at home and adds a sophisticated touch to any dish. Mache’s soft leaves make it perfect for blending into smoothies or using as a base for a light salad. It’s a delicious and nutritious way to switch up your usual greens.

Tatsoi

Tatsoi is an Asian green that looks a bit like spinach but has a more mild, mustardy flavor. It’s rich in vitamins A, C, and calcium, making it great for supporting eye health, boosting immunity, and strengthening bones. You can enjoy tatsoi raw in salads or lightly sautéed in stir-fries. Its tender leaves are versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes. Adding tatsoi to your meals is an easy way to mix up your greens while getting plenty of nutrients.

Dandelion Greens

Dandelion greens are often dismissed as weeds, but they’re actually full of nutrients. These bitter greens are high in vitamins A and K, which promote healthy skin and strong bones. They also act as a natural diuretic, helping to reduce bloating and support kidney function. Dandelion greens can be added to salads, sautéed, or blended into smoothies for a health boost. Don’t let their reputation fool you—these greens are worth a second look.

Lamb’s Lettuce

Lamb’s lettuce, also known as field lettuce, has small, tender leaves with a mild, sweet taste. It’s high in beta-carotene and vitamin C, which support skin health and immune function. This leafy green is often found in fancy salad mixes but is easy to grow at home or find in local markets. Its soft texture and subtle flavor make it great for salads or as a garnish on sandwiches. Lamb’s lettuce may not be well-known, but it’s a tasty and nutritious option to explore.

Miner’s Lettuce

Miner’s lettuce is a wild green that’s often foraged for its fresh, crisp leaves. It’s high in vitamins A and C, making it great for skin and immune health. Miner’s lettuce has a mild, slightly sweet flavor, perfect for salads or as a sandwich topping. Its tender leaves are easy to digest and can be eaten raw or lightly steamed. This often-forgotten green offers both flavor and nutrition in one package.

Malabar Spinach

Malabar spinach may not be a true spinach, but its thick, juicy leaves provide plenty of nutrition. This tropical green is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as iron, which supports healthy blood cells. Malabar spinach’s unique texture makes it great for adding body to soups and stews or using in stir-fries. It’s also heat-tolerant, making it a good option for summer gardens. If you’re looking for a hardy green with lots of health benefits, Malabar spinach is worth a try.

Sorrel

Sorrel is a leafy green with a tart, lemony flavor that can brighten up any dish. It’s packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, making it great for boosting immune health and fighting inflammation. Sorrel is often used in soups or sauces, but it can also be eaten raw in salads. Its vibrant flavor and health benefits make it a standout among under-the-radar greens. Sorrel is a great option if you want to add a burst of flavor and nutrition to your meals.

Radicchio

Radicchio is a leafy vegetable with bright red leaves and a bitter, spicy flavor. It’s packed with antioxidants, vitamin K, and fiber, which help improve digestion and support heart health. Radicchio’s bold flavor pairs well with sweeter ingredients in salads or can be grilled for a smoky side dish. This green may be a bit more common than others on this list, but its health benefits are still underappreciated. Including radicchio in your diet is a tasty way to get more nutrients.

Mustard Greens

Mustard greens offer a peppery punch that adds a bold flavor to dishes. They’re packed with vitamins A, C, and K, and their antioxidants help reduce inflammation in the body. Mustard greens can be sautéed, added to soups, or eaten raw for a bit of spice. These greens are not only flavorful but also rich in nutrients that support eye health, bone strength, and the immune system. If you like bold flavors, mustard greens are a great way to mix up your meals.

Chard

Chard is a leafy green with colorful stalks and a slightly bitter flavor. It’s rich in magnesium, iron, and potassium, which support heart health and muscle function. Chard is versatile and can be used in stir-fries, soups, or as a side dish. Its vibrant colors and nutritional profile make it a standout among lesser-known greens. If you’re looking for a new green to try, chard is both nutritious and visually appealing.

Komatsuna

Komatsuna, also known as Japanese mustard spinach, is a leafy green packed with calcium and vitamins A and C. Its mild flavor makes it perfect for both raw and cooked dishes. Komatsuna is great for supporting bone health and boosting the immune system. You can add it to soups, stir-fries, or salads for an easy nutritional boost. It’s an under-the-radar green that’s as versatile as it is healthy.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

More From RetailShout

20 Delicious Fruits to Help Support a Strong Immune System

Your immune system is your body’s frontline defense against illness. Luckily, nature provides a bounty of fruits that can help fortify this essential system. By adding a variety of these fruits to your diet, you can enjoy a tasty and effective way to stay well. Read More.

15 Sneaky Sources of Trans Fats Lurking in Your Diet

Trans fats are often hidden in everyday foods, making it easy to consume them without realizing it. While some foods openly declare their unhealthy ingredients, others quietly slip these harmful fats into your diet. Read More.

18 Cheesy Casseroles That Are Comfort Food at Its Best

When it comes to comfort food, few things can beat a well-made cheesy casserole. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, combining rich flavors with simple ingredients. Read More.