When you think of the healthiest veggie in the world, spinach, broccoli, or kale might spring to mind. But the crown goes to an unexpected underdog: watercress. Yes, that peppery little garnish you’ve probably pushed to the side of your plate is actually a nutritional powerhouse.
Watercress Takes the Top Spot
Researchers at William Paterson University compared 41 fruits and vegetables, testing them for 17 important nutrients like calcium, fiber, folate, potassium, and vitamins A, C, and K. Watercress blew them all away, scoring a perfect 100 out of 100. For context, Chinese cabbage landed in second place with 91 points, Swiss chard third with 89, and spinach just missed the podium with 86.