Health Benefits of Kale

Health Benefits of Kale

Kale is known as “Queen of Greens”, “New Beef”, and “Nutritional Powerhouse". Kale belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family, the same as collards and broccoli. Even though you can find Kale throughout the year in markets, the main season for Kale is between mid-winter to the beginning of spring. Both the taste and availability is highest during Kale's prime season. It is easy to grow Kale and it grows well in colder climates that are less susceptible to frosts.

The major varieties of kale are curly, dinosaur, tuscan, lacinato, and ornamental Kale. Though a few more varieties are also available. Each variety of Kale has its own distinct appearance, texture, and taste. The botanical name of Kale is Brassica oleracea.

Curly Kale has a lighter green color with a pungent flavor and is similar to a bitter pepper.

Health Benefits of Kale :

1)  Kale Has a Great Nutrient Profile

Kale has a high fiber content, does not have any fat content, and is low calorie. One cup of Kale contains 5 grams of fiber, zero fat, and 36 calories. Due to its rich fiber content, digestion improves and patients tend to have healthier digestive tracts. Kale also contains several other useful nutrients, along with essential vitamins, magnesium, and folate.

2)  Kale Has High Iron Content

The iron content in Kale per calorie is more than the iron present per calorie in beef. Iron is very good for health, since it augments the formation of enzymes and hemoglobin in your body. Moreover, iron helps in good cell growth, transportation of oxygen to all the parts of your body, proper liver function, as well as a healthier immune system.

3)  Kale Is a Great Source of Vitamin K

Another major ingredient of Kale is vitamin K. Studies reveal that Kale reduces the risk of at least five types of cancer:  namely, breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, ovary cancer, and cancer of the bladder. The glucosinolates present in Kale generate isothiocyanates (ITCs), which are believed to play a key role in lowering cancer rates. Further, vitamin K also improves a wide range of bodily functions, such as preventing blood clots and the maintaining healthy bones. Additionally, it has been found that higher levels of vitamin K can help those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, providing them with benefits that even include partial recovery of neurogenesis.

4)  Kale Has Powerful Antioxidants

Kale is full of powerful antioxidants. It is a known fact that antioxidants like flavonoids and carotenoids offer protection from several types of cancer. Researchers have identified more than 45 flavonoids in Kale, with quercetin and kaempferol heading the list of flavonoids. All the flavonoids in Kale have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits combined in them. Hence, they offer a lading dietary role for Kale in avoiding oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.

5)  Kale Has Great Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Kale is an ideal anti-inflammatory food item. It has been estimated that one cup of Kale contain 10% of the important RDA of omega 3 type fatty acids, which are helpful in fighting asthma, arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases.

6)  Kale Reduces Cholesterol Levels

Kale provides excellent support for patients suffering from cardiovascular disorders, since Kale reduces cholesterol levels.

7)  Kale Has Plenty of Vitamin A

The vitamin A content of Kale is quite significant. Not only does vitamin A prevent oral cavities and different forms of lung cancer, but it also improves your vision. Furthermore, vitamin A is useful in maintaining healthy skin.

8)  Kale Has High Amounts of Vitamin C

The vitamin C content of Kale is also high, boosting your body's immune system, hydration, and overall metabolism. Additionally, vitamin C helps in improving joint and cartilage flexibility.

9)  Kale Is a Great Source of Calcium

The high level of calcium in per calorie of Kale compared to milk is a great aid in prevention of bone loss and osteoporosis, as well as maintaining a healthy metabolism.

10)  Kale is a Great Detoxifier

Kale is a very beneficial at detoxifying the body. The rich level of fiber and sulfur in Kale leads to amazing detoxification results. They also improve the overall health of your liver. The latest research has shown that the ITCs generated by the glucosinolates present in Kale are useful in regulating detoxifying at the genomic level. Moreover, Kale favorably modifies both phase I and phase II detox steps.

Tages:

• kale benefits
• benefits of kale
• kale health benefits
• kale nutritional benefits
• health benefits kale
• kale juice benefits