Nutrient Value of Leaf vs. Seed

Front Chem. 2016 Jul 21:4:32. doi: 10.3389/fchem.2016.00032. eCollection 2016.

Abstract

Major differences stand out between edible leaves and seeds in protein quality, vitamin, and mineral concentrations and omega 6/omega 3 fatty acid ratios. Data for seeds (wheat, rice, corn, soy, lentil, chick pea) are compared with corresponding data for edible green leaves (kale, spinach, broccoli, duckweed). An x/y representation of data for lysine and methionine content highlights the group differences between grains, pulses, leafy vegetables, and animal foods. Leaves come out with flying colors in all these comparisons. The perspective ends with a discussion on "So why do we eat mainly seeds?"

Keywords: duckweed; leaf minerals; leaf protein; leaf vitamins; omega 6/3 ratio.