Leafy greens are among the healthiest foods you could eat. They're also one of the top sources of bacteria that cause foodborne illness, as a new investigation from Consumer Reports shows.
Given the concerns about contamination, you may be tempted to cut greens out of your diet. But that would be a shame.
Nutritionists agree that the health benefits are substantial. In a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study that calculated nutrient density for almost 50 fruits and vegetables, 17 of the top 20 were leafy greens. Research shows that a diet that contains plenty of leafy greens is linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, certain cancers, macular degeneration, and type 2 diabetes. They may also help to keep memory sharp as a person ages.
There are several ways to serve up safer greens, and cooking will kill harmful bacteria. Eat a variety of types: Most greens have a healthy nutritional profile, but each kind also has its individual superpowers.
(aka Boston or Bibb)
Editor's Note: This article also appeared in the March 2020 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.