Which Vegetable is Known as Multivitamin Greens?

November 15, 2025 •

3 min read

According to research, a vegetable native to India and Southeast Asia, Sauropus androgynus, has earned the nickname "multivitamin greens" due to its exceptionally high nutritional value. This powerhouse plant is a remarkable source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a valuable addition to a healthy diet.

Quick Summary

This article explores the vegetable known as "multivitamin greens," identifying it as Sauropus androgynus and detailing its nutrient-rich composition. It also covers other common green vegetables with high vitamin content and provides practical tips for incorporating them into your daily meals.

Key Points

Sauropus androgynus is the true 'multivitamin green': A perennial shrub from Southeast Asia, also known as Chekurmanis or Sweet Leaf, is renowned for its dense nutritional profile.
Packed with Essential Nutrients: This vegetable is an excellent source of protein, vitamins A, B, and C, along with vital minerals like iron, phosphorus, and calcium.
Common Greens Offer Rich Nutrients Too: Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and moringa are also incredibly nutritious and contribute significantly to overall vitamin intake.
Incorporate Greens Easily into Meals: Add greens to smoothies, sauces, and soups to boost nutrient density without drastically changing flavor.
Embrace Variety for Optimal Health: A diverse diet that includes a wide array of greens is the most effective way to ensure a comprehensive intake of vitamins and minerals.

The Multivitamin Green: Sauropus androgynus

While many people associate terms like "superfood" with common greens such as spinach and kale, a lesser-known but highly potent vegetable, Sauropus androgynus, is officially dubbed "multivitamin greens". Known by other names such as Chekurmanis or Sweet Leaf, this perennial shrub is a staple in Southeast Asian and Indian cuisine. Its leaves are packed with a wide array of macro and micronutrients that contribute significantly to overall health.

Why Sauropus androgynus is a Nutritional Powerhouse

The nutritional density of Sauropus androgynus is truly impressive. It is exceptionally rich in several key nutrients, including:

Protein: Its leaves boast a higher protein content than many other leafy greens.
Vitamins: It is a significant source of vitamins A, B (B1, B2, C, nicotinic acid), and C.
Minerals: The leaves are loaded with essential minerals like iron, phosphorus, calcium, and potassium.
Antioxidants: Abundant in flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and carotenoids, these leaves help combat oxidative stress.

Other High-Vitamin Green Vegetables

While Sauropus androgynus stands out, several other readily available green vegetables are also packed with vitamins and contribute to a multivitamin-like nutritional intake. Incorporating a variety of these greens can ensure a comprehensive intake of essential micronutrients.

Spinach: A popular green known for its high content of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, iron, and magnesium.
Kale: This hardy green is rich in vitamins C, K, and A, along with minerals such as calcium and potassium.
Moringa: Often called the "miracle tree," its leaves contain significant amounts of protein, vitamins (C and A), and a range of minerals.
Mustard Greens: These spicy greens are an excellent source of vitamins K, A, and C, as well as essential minerals.

Maximizing Your Multivitamin Greens Intake

Eating a variety of leafy greens can significantly boost your nutritional profile. Here are some simple ways to incorporate more of these nutrient-dense vegetables into your diet:

Boost Your Smoothies: Add a handful of spinach or kale to your morning smoothie. The flavor is easily masked by fruit, but the nutritional benefits are substantial.
Mix into Sauces: Finely chop spinach or mustard greens and mix them into pasta sauces, soups, or curries to increase the nutrient content without altering the texture significantly.
Make Crispy Chips: For a healthy snack, bake kale or other sturdy greens with a little olive oil and salt until crispy.
Enhance Scrambles: Incorporate chopped greens like spinach or kale into scrambled eggs or omelets for a nutritious breakfast.
Sauté as a Side: Quickly sauté greens with garlic and a splash of lemon juice. This simple preparation method retains most of the nutrients and makes a delicious side dish.

Comparison of Key Greens' Nutritional Profiles


Nutrient (per 100g)	Spinach (Raw)	Kale (Raw)	Moringa (Raw)	Sauropus androgynus (Fresh Leaves)
Calories	23	35	64	~35
Protein	2.9 g	4.3 g	9.4 g	6–8 g
Vitamin A	Excellent Source	Excellent Source	Excellent Source	Excellent Source
Vitamin C	Good Source	Excellent Source	Excellent Source	Excellent Source
Vitamin K	Excellent Source	Excellent Source	High	High
Calcium	Moderate Source	Good Source	Excellent Source	Good Source
Iron	Good Source	Good Source	Excellent Source	Good Source

Note: Nutritional values can vary based on growing conditions and preparation methods. Cooked greens are often more concentrated in some nutrients.

Conclusion: A Diverse Diet is Key

While Sauropus androgynus has a special reputation as "multivitamin greens," the reality is that many leafy green vegetables offer a wide spectrum of essential nutrients. Rather than focusing on a single super-green, adopting a diet rich in a variety of leafy vegetables is the most effective strategy for ensuring your body receives the full range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants it needs for optimal health. From familiar spinach to the potent multivitamin greens, embracing diversity in your plate is the surest path to nutritional wellness.

The Health Benefits of Dark Leafy Greens

Beyond just vitamins and minerals, dark leafy greens offer numerous health benefits. They are rich in fiber, which supports healthy digestion, and contain carotenoids that protect against cellular damage and play a role in disease prevention. By consuming a mix of these power-packed vegetables, you can improve heart health, strengthen your bones, and boost your immune system. To maximize nutrient absorption, pairing greens with a healthy fat, like olive oil in a salad dressing, is recommended. For further reading, an excellent resource on incorporating more greens into your diet is the Rush University Medical Center's article on the subject.

Frequently Asked Questions

The specific vegetable often referred to as "multivitamin greens" is Sauropus androgynus, also known as Chekurmanis or Sweet Leaf, due to its exceptionally high vitamin and mineral content.

Sauropus androgynus is native to India and Southeast Asia. It can sometimes be found in specialty Asian markets, grown in tropical climates, or purchased from online herb or plant retailers.

While the leaves are nutritious, overconsumption of uncooked Sauropus androgynus is not recommended. It contains certain compounds that can be harmful when ingested in large, raw quantities, so it is best to cook the leaves before eating.

While Sauropus androgynus has a particularly dense nutrient profile, common greens like kale and spinach are also excellent sources of many vitamins and minerals. Kale is very high in Vitamin C, while spinach is a great source of folate and iron.

Lightly steaming or sautéing leafy greens is the best way to preserve their nutrients. Boiling greens in large amounts of water can cause some water-soluble vitamins to leach out.

No, while green vegetables are incredibly nutritious, a balanced and diverse diet including proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates is necessary to receive all the vitamins and minerals your body needs.

Yes, frozen and canned greens are a great option and have the same nutritional value as fresh produce. Their texture may differ, but they are a convenient way to add more greens to your diet.