Add variety to your salad with 6 lesser-known leafy greens

Rapini gets a bad rap for being bitter, but it contains high levels of calcium, omega-3s and protective carotenoids like lutein, xanthein and beta carotene. “These phytochemicals are associated with a reduced risk of cancer and degenerative eye disorders like cataracts,” says Brenda Davis, RD, author of Becoming Vegan: Comprehensive Edition. In fact, on the USDA nutrient database rapini's completeness rating trumps other greens with a score of 93. It boasts powerful antioxidant properties, which helps balance hormones and reduces yeast infections in the body. Plus, the high vitamin K content helps bone strength; the folate and vitamin C levels help reduce the risk of heart disease; and the sulfur content helps detoxify the body. 

Recipe: Simple rapini salad