This is the healthiest vegetable of all, according to CDC: Nutrient powerhouse

When it comes to healthy eating, veggies are always a good choice — but one takes the cake for being the healthiest.Watercress is the most nutrient-dense vegetable, receiving a perfect score of 100 in the CDC’s long-standing ranking of “powerhouse” fruits and vegetables (PFVs).Chinese cabbage is a close second with a score of 91.99, followed by chard (89.27), beet greens (87.08) and spinach (86.43).These foods, among a total of 41 that qualified as PFVs, were found to contain 17 nutrients, including potassium, fiber, protein, calcium, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, zinc, and vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E and K.Cruciferous items, including watercress, Chinese cabbage, collard greens, kale and arugula — as well as leafy greens, like chard, beet greens, spinach, chicory and leaf lettuce — took the top spots on the list.Yellow and orange foods, like carrots, tomatoes, winter squash and sweet potatoes — along with allium, citrus and berry croups — landed in the bottom half.When it comes to the top veggie, watercress, nutritionists agree that it has a multitude of health benefits.Watercress has “remarkable levels” of vitamins K, A, C and B, as well as magnesium, calcium and potassium, according to Serena Poon, certified nutritionist and celebrity longevity advisor in Los Angeles.Vitamin K, calcium and magnesium are great for bone health, Poon told Fox News Digital, while vitamin C supports immune health, collagen production and skin radiance.“Watercress may be tiny, but it’s one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can find,” Poon said. “Plus, since it’s low in calories, you get all these benefits without adding much to your daily caloric intake.”Los Angeles-based registered dietitian nutritionist Ilana Muhlstein agreed, telling Fox News Digital that consumers can get more than 50% of their daily value of vitamins C, A and K in three cups of watercress.Watercress is rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and ox...