Looking to boost your health naturally? Adding more functional foods to your diet is a great start. But with so many options, which ones will give you the biggest health boost? Here’s a look at five powerhouse vegetables that are definitely worth adding to your regular menu.

1. Beetroot

Good source of: Fiber, vitamin B9, manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C

Beetroot is more than just a colourful addition to your salad; it's packed with health benefits. TV doctor Michael Mosley sparked a frenzy when he highlighted beetroot's unique ability to improve blood flow, thanks to its high nitrate content. These nitrates are converted into nitric oxide by bacteria in your mouth, which helps your blood vessels expand and relax, leading to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart attacks and strokes. Read more about the benefits of beetroot here.

Beyond heart health, beetroot can also give your athletic performance a boost. Studies, like those from Professor Andy Jones at the University of Exeter, suggest that consuming beetroot can enhance endurance, making it a favourite among athletes. Plus, it might even improve cognitive function, keeping your brain younger and sharper. Discover how beetroot can boost your workout.

2. Sweet Potato

Good source of: Beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and dietary fibre

Sweet potatoes, particularly the vibrant purple variety from Okinawa, Japan, are a staple in the diets of some of the world's longest-living people. These sweet potatoes are rich in anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties, and are known to promote stable blood sugar levels.

In Okinawa, sweet potatoes are more than just food; they’re part of a way of life that includes a plant-based diet, daily physical activity, and strong social connections—all factors that contribute to longevity. While the purple variety might be hard to find, the orange sweet potatoes commonly available are also incredibly nutritious, particularly for their high beta-carotene content. Learn more about the health benefits of sweet potatoes.

3. Garlic

Good source of: Manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C, selenium, and fibre

Garlic has been revered for centuries, and with good reason. This pungent bulb has a wide range of health benefits, from improving cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol to having antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The active compound in garlic, allicin, is believed to be responsible for many of its health-promoting effects.

Garlic’s ability to thin the blood and improve circulation has led some to compare it to aspirin, with research suggesting it may be as effective as standard blood pressure medications, without the side effects. But if you’re on medication for blood pressure or cholesterol, be sure to consult your doctor before adding large amounts of garlic to your diet. Find out more about garlic's health benefits.

4. Celery Juice

Good source of: Vitamin C, vitamin K, B vitamins, beta-carotene, iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium

Celery juice has taken the wellness world by storm, with celebrities from Kim Kardashian to Naomi Campbell singing its praises. While it may not be the most flavorful juice out there, celery is packed with nutrients and antioxidants like apigenin and luteolin, which may help fight inflammation and support brain health.

Potassium is another key nutrient found in celery, essential for regulating fluid balance and aiding in kidney function. Although more research is needed to confirm many of the health claims made about celery juice, it certainly packs enough of a nutritional punch to warrant adding it to your daily routine. Dive deeper into the benefits of celery juice.

5. Broccoli

Good source of: Vitamins C & B6, folic acid, potassium, phosphorus, iron, selenium, manganese, and dietary fibre

Broccoli might not be everyone’s favourite vegetable, but it should be. This cruciferous powerhouse is rich in glucoraphanin, which your body converts into sulforaphane—a compound known for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Sulforaphane has been extensively studied for its potential to support heart health, brain function, and even cancer prevention.

Other cruciferous vegetables worth adding to your diet include cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale, and cauliflower, all of which offer similar health benefits. To get the most out of your vegetables, try lightly roasting, frying, or steaming them to preserve their nutrients and flavours.

Learn more about the benefits of broccoli.