It doesn’t matter what ails you; kale is the solution. Okay, that may be a little over zealous but we’d say it’s not far off.
We introduced you to ANDI in the last post, and kale is one of the perfectly scored greens on the ANDI scale. It’s the superhero of edibles, making the ranks of the world’s healthiest foods. It’s also my favorite of the leafy cruciferous greens. We like it raw, steamed, in soup, and dried for chips. If kale tea was an option, we’d drink it.
We could talk for days about the possible health benefits from consuming kale. Some include improving blood glucose control in diabetics, lowering the risk of cancer and lowering blood pressure, lowering your risk of heart disease, improving bone health and lowering the risk of developing asthma.
Kale is packed full of essential vitamins A, C and K as well as minerals such as copper, potassium, iron, manganese and phosphorus. A cup of kale has less than 40 calories and boasts three grams of protein. The high nutrients and super low calories make it one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet. One cup of cooked kale offers more than 1000 percent more vitamin C than a cup of cooked spinach. And a single raw cup contains almost seven times the recommended daily amount of vitamin K. Kale also contains quite a bit of potassium, a mineral that helps maintain electrical gradients in the body’s cells.
As noted in Wild About Greens, the following kale facts will make you swoon:
Detoxification and Weight loss
The fiber (5 grams in one cup) and sulfur in kale aid with digestion and liver health. The Vitamin C it contains hydrates your body and increases your metabolism, leading to weight loss and healthy blood sugar levels. The fiber in kale also lowers cholesterol.
Strengthens Your Immune System
Kale’s impressive concentration of nutrients strengthens the immune system and fights viruses and bacteria. Kale has more iron than beef, making it a great source of this valuable mineral for vegans and vegetarians. It helps more oxygen get to your blood and greatly helps those who are anemic.
Healthier Hair, Skin & Nails
The healthy balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids keep your body strong, healthy and beautiful from the inside out. Kale’s concentration of major nutrients gives your skin’s health and appearance a boost.
See Clearly and Stand Strong
Kale’s Vitamin A content helps keep the eyes from optical disorders that come with age. It also helps store vitamins in the retina. The calcium and vitamin K keep your bones strong.
The omega-3 fatty acids in kale help fight and alleviate arthritis, autoimmune disorders and asthma. The vitamin C content helps relieve stiff joints.
Kale, like other dark green veggies, may be helpful in preventing various cancers such as colon, prostate and ovarian. Its abundant vitamin K content is important for bone health, forestalling the effects of osteoporosis. And the folic acid and B6 provide cardiovascular support and prevent heart disease.
So, get up and get your kale on!