Why settle for the same bland greens when you can go bitter? Dark, bitter greens are not only big in flavor, but also have unique health benefits. While most greens are high in vitamins, bitter greens are particularly beneficial for digestive function. "[They] stimulate taste buds sensitive to bitter compounds," explains Keegan Sheridan, ND, of Beverly Hills, California. "In response, salivation [and] gastric acid secretion increase, and pancreatic enzymes are primed to respond when food enters the small intestine, helping to maximize food breakdown and speed waste elimination."

The name may be unappealing, but the power of nettle can't be denied. Considered a weed-like garden pest by some, stinging nettle also has an impressive list of health benefits. So