Dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, and bok choy are some of the most nutrient-rich foods you can eat to support your overall health, says Natalie Ledesma, RDN, CSO, senior oncology dietitian at the University of California, San Francisco Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. “They’re rich in B vitamins. And greens like kale and bok choy are rich in calcium without putting extra strain on the kidneys. Spinach is also high in iron and folate, which can help with the anemia that many patients face,” she says.
Vitamin B6 and folate are important for nutrient metabolism, the immune system, and red blood cell formation. But you may want to consider eating something with vitamin C alongside your dark leafy greens in order to absorb the iron. For example, adding strawberries or tomatoes on top of your salad.
When it comes to preparation, Ledesma favors cooked leafy greens over raw. “Cooking them makes the portion smaller and easier to eat, which can help if you have a low appetite or if chewing a large salad feels exhausting. A half-cup portion is all you need,” she says.
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