Dark leafy greens contain the important antioxidant vitamins—A,C, E, and K. They are also an excellent source of fiber, folate, carotenoids, iron, and calcium. These greens help nourish the nervous system and manage stress with their anti-inflammatory omega-3 acids and B vitamins. These nutrients remove free radicals from the body.

The body needs dietary fat to absorb the carotenoids and vitamin K (fat-soluble vitamins) present in leafy greens. Adding one or two teaspoons of olive or avocado oil when cooking dark leafy veggies increases the absorption of these nutrients. You also can eat uncooked leafy greens with salad dressing that contains good oils.

All types of dark greens, green, or red leaf lettuce are included. Iceberg lettuce does not fall into this category. It isn’t nutrient-dense like darker greens and consists mostly of water.