One cup (132 grams) of raw chayote contains just 25 calories, yet delivers over 30% of the daily value (DV) for folate, a B vitamin involved in DNA synthesis and cellular function.

Dandelion greens

All parts of the dandelion plant (Taraxacum officinale)are edible, including the leaves, which are known as dandelion greens.

Though not as popular as other leafy greens, they’re loaded with an array of vitamins, minerals, and potent plant compounds, including vitamin K, iron, and polyphenol antioxidants.

Many test-tube and animal studies suggest that dandelion greens may lower blood sugar and cholesterol and help prevent cellular damage.

What’s more, they can be enjoyed raw or cooked and make a great substitute for other greens like spinach or lettuce.

Jicama

Jicama is the edible root of the Pachyrhizus erosus vine. When cooked, it’s tender and tastes slightly nutty.

A good source of many nutrients, Jerusalem artichokes are especially high in iron, which is essential for red blood cell production, and inulin, a type of fiber that may promote digestive health and blood sugar control.

Chayote squash

Chayote belongs to the same family as pumpkins and zucchini.

This bright green, wrinkled squash has tender, edible skin and white, mild flesh that’s typically cooked but can also be eaten raw.

Although low in calories, it’s packed with vitamins and minerals. Unique and Healthy Vegetables

Commonly consumed vegetables, such as spinach, lettuce, peppers, carrots, and cabbage, provide abundant nutrients and flavors. With a crunchy texture and mild, peppery flavor, it resembles a large, white carrot with a leafy top.

It’s very low in calories, offering just 25 per cooked cup (147 grams). Delicata has a sweet, pumpkin-like flavor that pairs well with many foods.

It’s also low in calories and carbs, making it an excellent lower-carb alternative to starchy vegetables like potatoes and sweet potatoes .

Sunchokes

The Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus)is a type of sunflower grown for its edible tubers, which are commonly known as sunchokes.

This starchy vegetable looks like ginger root. It’s also packed with many nutrients, including vitamin C, copper, potassium, and folate .

What’s more, daikon contains high amounts of powerful plant compounds, such as glucosinolates, which act as antioxidants and may have anticancer properties.

Taro root

Taro is a root vegetable that’s a popular carb source in Africa and Asia. When cooked, it has a subtly sweet taste and soft texture, making it an excellent stand-in for potatoes, sweet potatoes, and starchy vegetables.

It’s also an excellent source of fiber, vitamin E, B vitamins, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and manganese.

Taro is especially beneficial for digestive health due to its impressive fiber content.

Studies show that its fiber acts as a prebiotic, stimulating the growth of friendly gut bacteria that boost immune health and protect against bowel diseases, among other benefits .

Delicata squash

Delicata squash is a type of summer squash — though harvested during winter — with an oblong shape and creamy color marked by vertical stripes.

Unlike other squashes, such as butternut or pumpkin, delicatas have thin, tender skin and can be eaten without peeling the outer rind. Turnip-like in shape, it has white, mildly sweet flesh.

This tuberous vegetable is loaded with vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin that’s important for immune health and acts as an antioxidant.

Jicama is also packed with fiber, including inulin, a prebiotic that’s good for your gut health . It’s no wonder that they’re among the most popular varieties worldwide.

While these veggies are very healthy, relying on them heavily may prevent you from trying less familiar choices.

In fact, research shows that increasing the variety of vegetables in your diet may help reduce your risk of heart disease — and even improve your overall quality of life.

Incredibly, thousands of different vegetables grow all over the world, some of which may be available where you live.

Here are unique vegetables that can make a healthy and exciting addition to your diet.

Daikon

Daikon is a winter radish often used in Asian dishes.