It is common knowledge that you are what you eat. If we could choose, we would certainly want to be kale. And why? Because kale is an amazing vitamin bomb that, with its nutritional properties, helps you get back to health. See why you should include kale in your daily diet!
Kale has been winning our hearts and taste buds for years. This plant adds variety to a healthy diet and even goes to battle with unhealthy chips, appearing as a healthy, crunchy snack. It’s perfect in smoothies, salads and as an ingredient in vegetarian chops. What are the benefits of incorporating kale permanently into your menu?
The ancient Greeks already appreciated the properties of kale. They cooked it and served it as a cure for those who overindulged in alcohol. We don’t recommend seeing for yourself if this use of kale has results, but we encourage you to eat kale every day!
One serving of kale provides over 1000% of your daily requirement of vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting. It can reduce excessive menstrual bleeding. In addition, adequate levels of vitamin K prevent osteoporosis.
Kale satisfies more than 300% of our need for vitamin A, which besides being anti-cancer, keeps our hair, skin and nails in good condition. Vitamin A builds our immunity and affects the reception of visual stimuli.
These are other important components that we will provide to the body with kale. Vitamin C affects our immunity, cholesterol levels and cardiovascular system. It stabilizes our mental health and has a therapeutic effect. Heart function is supported by vitamin B6, and energy production in muscle cells is made possible by vitamin B1. Potassium has a wonderful effect on intestinal peristalsis and enables children to grow. Magnesium maintains adequate blood pressure and reduces insulin resistance.
Calcium and iron contained in this unique vegetable are characterized by easy assimilation. This is crucial when we talk about the nutritional value of any product. Unlike spinach, kale contains fewer oxalates that hinder the absorption of vitamins and minerals. Calcium guarantees us healthy teeth and strong bones. With iron, you can prevent rapid aging of the skin and guard against many infections.
Kale contains lutein, which is an eye vitamin. Thanks to the green leaves of kale, we can protect our eyesight from the bad effects of blue light from the phone, laptop and computer. The vegetable is rich in antioxidants. It reduces the risk of cancer thanks to its content of more than 40 different glucosinolates. These are chemical compounds that prevent the development of breast, prostate, lung and stomach cancer!
Remember, the darker the kale leaves, the more valuable substances there are.
Kale belongs to the same plant family as cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and broccoli, among others. The most popular variety is curly kale. Another name for it comes from its crimson texture. This is the type we can find in popular discount stores, packaged, washed, sliced and ready to eat.
You can easily recognize Tuscan kale by its dark green color. It resembles Italian cabbage. This variety is great in soups because it holds its texture – be sure to try the Italian minestrone. You’ll love it!
The third popular variety is decorative kale. It has beautiful purple leaves. It is sometimes called Russian kale.
It’s hard to find an organ or process in our bodies that kale doesn’t have a beneficial effect on. Find your favorite kind and enjoy kale chips or kale pesto. Add it to pasta, shakshuka or grits!
Main photo: Adolfo Félix/Unsplash.com
