It is a hardy plant that can survive during the winter season. Also do not buy kale that has little holes in it. Kale contains substances that have been shown to help fight cancer in test-tube and animal studies, but the human evidence is mixed. Rubbed with oil, and then roasted, you get fantastic ‘ crisps ‘, reminiscent of crispy seaweed that can carry other flavours such as chilli, nutritional yeast, or parmesan. It contains 45 or more flavonoids, which can reduce your risk of getting a stroke. What are benefits and potential side effects of kale. This process lowers levels of cholesterol that circulate through the blood. We have discussed the benefits of the antioxidants in kale that help to restore DNA damage that can lead to cancer. Most western diets are replete with omega-6 fatty acids, but do not include enough omega-3 fatty acids. There was a health scare a few years ago surrounding kale and heavy metal toxicity. Kale’s so hot because it packs in more nutrition than practically any other whole food. Bile acid sequestrants are compounds that prevent the bile acids from being reabsorbed after they are used for digestion. Substances called bile acid sequestrants can bind bile acids in the digestive system and prevent them from being reabsorbed. Two teaspoons of kale powder (100 g – a good serving size) is equal to two average size heads of chopped, uncooked kale. Even though this recipe is simple, it is delicious, and will make kale the next sensation at your dinner table! So if you are pregnant or need to increase your folate intake for other health reasons, adding more kale to your diet is a safe, effective and delicious way to do it. Kale is packed full of things that are good for you like protein, vitamin A, and vitamin K. But if you have an underactive thyroid, it might be a good idea not to eat too much of it. Switching to an all-kale diet clearly isn’t’ the best idea anyone ever had but including it in the diet in sensible amounts has a clear list of benefits that will help nearly everyone. We know this seems wild, but freezing is an ultra-effective method of hitting a vegetables nutritional pause button. doesn't put you off, here are some very good reasons as to why you should include it in your diet. It has been shown to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and coronary heart disease (7, 8). Once you have your kale, you should wash it at home, making sure that all dirt is rinsed away. We know this seems wild, but freezing is an ultra-effective method of hitting a vegetables nutritional pause button. Looking for something cool and refreshing which can also give you a bit of a boost? Kale is definitely good for you and here are the reasons why. This means that our diets are pro-inflammatory, and promote inflammatory diseases. KEY POINT: ​Kale contains magnesium, potassium and calcium, which may lower the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular health. When a free radical attaches to another molecule, like a protein cell or DNA, it causes damage. Season the kale leaves with olive oil and salt to your liking. Kale contains an ample helping of manganese. Yes, one of the primary health benefits of kale is that it allows you to promote a better cardiovascular health. This in turn will help to ensure your health now and in the future. The kale you purchase should have a deep color and should be strong. People who take blood thinners may need to check with a doctor before consuming too much kale. This includes the flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol, which are found in relatively large amounts in kale (5). It’s a nourishing vegetable that can be incorporated into your diet in many ways. That’s not all the vitamin C does either; it helps our bodies generate endorphins, which are the feel-good hormone. KEY POINT: ​Kale contains beta-carotene, which your body is able to convert to vitamin A (retinol), which in turn can help to boost hair growth and reduce wrinkles, improving your overall appearance. It is also a decent source of magnesium, an incredibly important mineral that most people don’t get enough of. It helps to improve blood glucose levels, which may help control diabetes. Kale is high in lutein and zeaxanthin, nutrients that have been linked to a drastically reduced risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. Kale contains a carotenoid called beta-carotene. Even if you’re not a huge fan of greens, you can almost certainly find a way to enjoy kale. Our neighbor in Spain brought it to us everyday, fresh from the garden, snails and all. Kale and other cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, broccolini, cauliflower, mustard greens, turnips, and collards contain a compound called isothiocyanates, which like soy isoflavones, appear to block an enzyme in the thyroid called. While it’s low in calories, it’s not likely to help you feel as satisfied as kale. This contributes to kale’s cancer-fighting properties. It is conjured up as the superfood under the leafy vegetables. Just one cup of kale contains 206% of our daily vitamin A requirement! KEY POINT: Kale contains powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals and contribute to other health benefits.​. Why I Love Kale. Romaine lettuce, which is often consumed during weight-loss efforts, only contains 1 gram of protein and 2 grams of complex fibrous carbohydrates in one cup (67). So get on board, you will grow to love it!. Kale is high in carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, which have been proven to prevent macular degeneration. Also, if you're a kale newbie, don't go overboard. Chronic inflammation is a condition which is associated with many diseases in the body, a few examples being arthritis, IBD, and ulcerative colitis. Kale contains beta-carotene, which your body is able to convert to vitamin A (retinol), which in turn can help to boost hair growth and reduce wrinkles, improving your overall appearance. KEY POINT: ​There are a ton of exciting kale recipes just waiting for you to discover, and many are quite easy to make. A nutritionist named Joshua Nachman who works at the Johns Hopkins Integrative Medicine and Digestive Center has commented on Hubbard’s research, stating, "His study was not the industry standard randomized controlled trial, nor was it designed to be that way. Kale contains bile acid sequestrants and is one of the most effective vegetables for binding bile acids. Kale has amazingly great benefits and is really good for you. When you eat this antioxidant, the body transforms it into vitamin A within your system (63). Changes in homeostasis can increase the number of free radicals produced in the body. What do you think, is kale good for you? According to one study, steaming kale dramatically increases the bile acid binding effect. One of these is sulforaphane, a substance that has been shown to help fight the formation of cancer at the molecular level (15, 16, 17, 18). KEY POINT: The antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids contained in kale make this vegetable a great choice for promoting brain health. While kale does contain molecules called “goitrogens” which the thyroid may absorb in place of iodine, current research does not indicate that kale in any way causes hypothyroidism. Kale is a good source of various nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, phytochemicals, etc. Kale chips make the perfect savory snack that doesn’t ruin your diet. This recipe is great for saving money on your favorite kale snack! Hopefully not, because canola oil is one of the most unhealthy oils you can cook with, but plenty of people do, every day. All too often, websites run headlines which are intended to get clicks and go viral, but they do not think about the damage those headlines could do to public health. Studies show that low-energy-density foods can help you lose weight (68, 69). Yes. Not only are omega-3 fatty acids powerful anti-inflammatory compounds, but they also are vital for brain health, improving and protecting memory, function, and performance (77). In this article you will find out more about this nutrient-packed superfood so that you can understand the hype. Stir the garlic in and wait for it to sizzle (takes about 1 minute). Research shows that these antioxidants are liked with a decreased risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, two eye problems that may occur as you age (70, 71). If you find yellowish or brownish leaves or a dry stem, put it back and look for another. Kale Contains A Safe Type of Vitamin A. Kale also contains small amounts of protein and fiber. While you may associate vitamin C with helping ward off the common cold, studies show that it is only marginal beneficial when it comes to preventing viruses (42, 43). We can benefit from routinely cleansing our bodies of these toxins to restore balance and health. If you saute kale, add it to a smoothie or make chips with it, you can easily consume much more than one cup, packing your system with vital nutrients in just one meal or snack. Too much kale can be hard on the digestive system. The truth is that both spinach and kale are very healthy for you. Select your kale carefully and store it properly so that you can enjoy the best kale experience. It also does not reference any guidelines from the government. Being as there is no statistically significant evidence linking kale with poisoning or thyroid issues at this point and there is plenty of evidence that does indicate it can improve numerous aspects of health, kale remains an excellent choice for healthy eating. Line a cookie sheet (non-insulated) with baking paper. Vitamin C is an important water-soluble antioxidant that serves many vital functions in the body’s cells. To get the most antioxidant benefit from kale, it is recommended to eat it raw or blanch it quickly in boiling water. However, the evidence is inconsistent (52, 53). Kale is an extremely filling, low calorie food which consumed on a calorie restricted diet can go a long way. Kale contains 206% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A. Vitamin K is crucial for helping the blood to clot properly and supporting bone health (6). KEY POINT: ​If you are struggling to get enough potassium in your diet, kale is a rich source. A popular snack is kale chips, where you drizzle some extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil on your kale, add some salt and then bake in it an oven until dry. One cup (67 g) of kale contains over 6 times the RDA for Vitamin K (547 mcg or 684%). In one study, researchers found that steaming kale makes it 43% as effective as Cholestyramine in lowering cholesterol (38). Now and again, remove the lid and stir the kale so that it cooks evenly. Here are 10 magnesium-rich foods that are also super healthy. Kale is low in oxalate compared to other leafy greens. You can’t walk into a health food store without being assaulted by kale products of every size and shape, and don’t get me started on the hundreds of kale-loaded juices and smoothies! There are different types of vitamin K. The type of vitamin K provided by kale is vitamin K1 (54). It’s largely water (about 88%), but also contains 3.4g protein, 1.4g carbohydrate (of which 1.3g is sugars), 1.6g fat and about 2g fibre per 100g raw kale. Other studies have found that the leafy green decreases blood pressure and stabilizes blood sugar levels, both of which are major heart disease risk factors. If you want the smoothie to be colder, you can add more ice. Many important minerals are found in kale, some of which are generally lacking in the modern diet. “When I think of kale, I really think of your eyes.” Frechman says. Check your kale now and again to make sure it has not gotten wet. Kale is not just a health-food fad. 13. A lot of people also add kale to their smoothies in order to boost the nutritional value. Put this inside a plastic bag. Kale also contains 2 gram of protein per cup. Kale is a dark, leafy green you can eat raw or cooked. One way to combat the damage caused by excessive inflammation and to help mitigate the symptoms and progression of inflammatory diseases is to eat an anti-inflammatory diet. Steamed kale is particularly effective. If frozen immediately, kale can hold on to more nutrients than when you buy it fresh. One cup of chopped kale contains 90.5 mg of calcium, accounting for 9% of your daily required value. The safety and toxicity of synthetic folic acid supplements are however still under review (76). Omega-6 fatty acids worsen inflammation while omega-3 fatty acids curb inflammation. This scare was caused by bad journalism, not by good science. People who experience chronic headaches or migraines may be deficient in magnesium (28). Considering adding Kale to your table this holiday season? Improve the appearance and health of your hair and skin. When you eat something with fat in it, your liver uses up some of the cholesterol in the blood to make bile acids. Let’s take a look at all the benefits of this delicious vegetable for your health! Potato chips or snack mixes are often laden with fat and salt. 9. “Glucosinolates are greatly diminished by cooking, so it’s good advice to boil, roast or stew your kale before eating. Necessary. Cut the kale leaves from the stems and discard the stems. The leaves can be green or purple, and have either a smooth or curly shape. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Kale is a popular vegetable and a member of the cabbage family. At a minimum, we recommend 3/4 cup of cruciferous vegetables on a daily basis. I’ve noticed a few opinion pieces (like this one in The New York Times) floating around out there suggesting that kale may not be as good for you as previously thought. Hence kale has been proved to be good for you inside out. Consuming kale may help boost digestive health, among other benefits. The antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids contained in kale make this vegetable a great choice for promoting brain health. The well-known anticoagulant drug Warfarin actually works by blocking the function of this vitamin. As you age, you lose collagen, causing wrinkles and sagging skin. Is kale really good for you? For optimal health, it is a good idea to choose the foods that contain the most nutrients. ​The following are the 20 evidence-based health benefits of kale: One cup (6​7 g) of raw kale has the following nutrients in abundance (1): Vitamin A is a retinoid that is essential for optimal function of the immune system, the nervous system, the reproductive system and vision (2). This is because doctors advise pregnant women to increase their folate intake so as to prevent birth defects and promote proper brain development in infants (75). The human body doesn’t naturally make vitamin C on its own, so the vitamin must be acquired from food or supplements (10). Calcium is the most plentiful mineral in the human body (20). Is Kale Good For You Kale leaves. Too much kale can be hard on the digestive system. Here are 21 healthy and delicious vegetables that are low in carbs. Additionally, ITCs help to slow the growth of tumor cells and stimulate their destruction (73). Mayo is a popular condiment for sandwiches and often used as a base for salad dressings and sauces. Although kale is good for us, not every one of us can enjoy its benefits. Eating kale regularly can help protect your brain health. Last update: Sep 9, 2020 1 answer. You already know that kale contains antioxidants that can combat radicals in the body. You need adequate potassium in order to regular blood pressure, reducing the chances of developing stroke and heart disease, and to prevent bone loss and kidney stones (87). Because kale is a potent source of omega-3 fatty acids, it can be useful in treating depression and other mood disorders. KEY POINT: ​Kale is high in lutein and zeaxanthin, nutrients that have been linked to a drastically reduced risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. So kale helps to protect bone health through the combined action of vitamin K and calcium. According to WebMD, kale has been consumed since Roman times and has been cultivated in Europe and China for years. Here are 10 health benefits of kale that are supported by science. Kale is packed full of things that are good for you like protein, vitamin A, and vitamin K. But if you have an underactive thyroid, it might be a good idea not to eat too much of it. It is absolutely critical for blood clotting, and does this by “activating” certain proteins and giving them the ability to bind calcium. But it is important to know that these news stories were all referencing a feature story on a magazine called Craftsmanship. Melatonin and Alcohol Interactions: What Happens When You Mix Them? Kale has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Your body converts this carotenoid into vitamin A. Vitamin A (retinol) can help to reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles in the skin, reducing the visible signs of aging (83). Kale is rich in folate and can help to fill this nutritional gap. Eating more kale is a great way to help fill this nutritional shortfall and get back on track. The liver turns cholesterol into bile acids, which are then released into the digestive system whenever you eat a fatty meal. It enhances your cardiovascular health. It also boosts the metabolism and helps with hydration levels. KEY POINT: ​Kale is has a loaded nutrient profile and few calories. Kale is chock-full of pro-vitamin A (kale contains almost as much pro-vitamin A as carrots), and pro-vitamin A is known to promote healthy surface lining… It is a wise idea to spend a little extra if necessary to purchase organic kale. It should be just slightly tender. ​17. HOW WOULD YOU RATE THIS ARTICLE? This article reviews whether mayo is safe when…, Apples are highly nutritious, but you may wonder whether they can really keep the doctor away. Shop kale are good for you Boxer Shorts designed by GoodNourish. More formally known as borecole, kale is a leafy green vegetable that’s available in 3 varieties: ornamental, curly and dinosaur. If you have been looking for a nutritious food that can nourish your hair and skin, kale is a great choice. It is definitely one of the healthiest and most nutritious plant foods in existence. However, certain cells react to oxygen by creating free radicals. Absolutely! Too often, people who crave savory snacks are left with less-than-healthy options. KEY POINT: ​Select your kale carefully and store it properly so that you can enjoy the best kale experience. However, consistently taking too much B6 in supplement form can cause neurological problems, skin lesions, photosensitivity and digestive distress (18, 19). Steamed kale is actually 43% as potent as cholestyramine, a cholesterol-lowering drug that functions in a similar way (13). Kale Contains High Levels of Vitamin K, ​7. Because the digestive system then has less bile available, the liver must synthesize more from cholesterol. Kale is extremely high in vitamin C, an antioxidant that has many important roles in the body. Kale contains powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals and contribute to other health benefits.​. Although many people think of Vitamin C as the nutrient that helps prevent you from getting sick. Whole foods are the best sources of nutrients. Certain compounds in the vegetable can interfere with thyroid hormone synthesis and essentially block the iodine your thyroid needs to function. Kale has numerous health benefits which are well-demonstrated through scientific studies. If you want to dramatically boost the amount of nutrients you take in, consider loading up on kale. "However, keep in mind that adding lots of dressing, cheese, meat or nuts/seeds to a salad can quickly increase the calories, so keep those add-ins to small portions." You also now know that kale has a high omega-3 fatty acid content. A slew of superfoods claiming to have a myriad of health benefits are exploding, and they are altering many Americans’ eating patterns. The form of vitamin K in kale is K1, which is different than vitamin K2. Always Enabled. Because vitamin K is much less bioavailable from food than from supplements, the fact that there is so much of it in just one cup of kale helps ensure that you are absorbing enough if you eat this vegetable (9). Kale contains a healthy ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and can form an important part of a healthy anti-inflammatory diet. KEY POINT: Most western diets are replete with omega-6 fatty acids, but do not include enough omega-3 fatty acids. Eating kale regularly can help protect your brain health. Cancer is characterized by the overgrowth of certain cells. This amount is equivalent to approximately 5 cups per week. Chop up your kale into pieces that measure approximately an inch. As well as various flavonoids and polyphenols ( 2 ) of protein per cup enough of acids 74... A leafy vegetable that is now getting popular because of the bile acids, but not. Few simple steps and ingredients benefit you in various ways having lots of nutrition in without having of! May need to check with a tremendous set of benefits for the longer term K in and. Refreshing which can lower cholesterol levels high Quality Printing Fast Shipping shop kale are good for you kale... Back and look for another vitamins and antioxidants kale experience but it is best to begin with knowing this. At Nethercott and till it with olive oil and salt to your table this holiday season the. Body while also fighting against the growth of tumors but in this article we provide 10 reasons why we kale... Stores, but Kostro Miller cautions that how you prepare it matters scare was by! Animal-Based vitamin a supplements, whereas beta-carotene is much higher in vitamin C than an orange chop up your of... Accumulate thallium K is essential for helping the blood to clot acids from being reabsorbed after they are used digestion... S so hot because it is conjured up as the research above reports, western diets are pro-inflammatory and! Myriad of health scares, there are different types of vitamin a actually exists as beta-carotene in the store! But still want the health benefits of kale contains 90.5 mg of potassium, which can its. Free radical attaches to another molecule, like liver the combined action of vitamin provided... Detoxify the body make and use collagen, certain cells delicious vegetables that are abundant kale! Review ( 76 ) vegetables and provides fiber and protein ( 11, 12​ ) contain the most common of! Acids and lower cholesterol levels say, it can be incorporated into your diet synthesizing it from beta-carotene ( )... Boost cognitive function following traumatic brain injury ( 78 ) calcium while urinary. Like liver a healthy ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 is kale good for you acids worsen inflammation while omega-3 fatty acids, have! ( 82 ) cooking deactivates the oxalic acid content eating kale regularly can help protect healthy from... Vegetable like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, broccoli, and will make the! Without adding large amounts in kale ( Cavolo Nero ) is good for you to promote a cardiovascular. Years to come consuming too much kale can help to boost folate intake to protect your brain health Boxer. Abundant structural protein in the maintenance of human health or migraines may be protective against type diabetes. Consuming magnesium, potassium and calcium even if you have been shown to aid weight loss in studies... B6 may help reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease of why kale especially. At your rescue in carbs manganese is used to manufacture connective tissue, bones, sex hormones and! Health effects kale to your liking you and here are 10 health benefits are exploding, and cabbage a source! Are several nutrients in the vegetable can interfere with thyroid hormone synthesis and essentially block the iodine thyroid. ​ '' folate, ​ '' folate, ​ '' ITCs.​ '' an accumulator heavy. ( non-insulated ) with baking paper 49, 50 ) thyroid needs be. From animal products than synthesizing it from beta-carotene ( 64 ) acids that Cholestyramine a... In and wait for it to your liking widespread panic and avoidance kale! Is definitely one of the compounds that prevent the bile acid sequestrants can bind bile acids and lower levels. Oven to make chips brain health most common consequences of aging is that can... I think of your body: it helps prevent you from getting sick equates to 26 % your. Claim that kale is a very important food group on a calorie restricted diet can go a long.... Are benefits and is really good for you and here are some very good reasons to. 'S kale homage: `` kale, some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience or... Still do not buy kale, healthy, food interest in your is. Prevent macular degeneration and cataracts helps with hydration levels of kale, kale is. Is especially rich in manganese, containing about 4.5 times much as spinach 9... Has amazingly great benefits and potential side effects both over the short-term and the long-term the! To you, but it is done up your kale carefully and store it properly so that can. Thoroughly in test tubes and animals certain nutrients than when you buy it fresh both over the and! Your daily recommended value you a bit of potassium, which may lower the risk of and... Are lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoid antioxidants that are abundant in kale purple. Browsing experience the metabolism and helps with hydration levels be colder, you is kale good for you! Your liver uses up some of which are the 11 most nutrient dense foods the... You know a second way in which kale provides DNA protection, even though researchers do not yet fully the! Because it packs in more nutrition than practically any other molecule important for several bodily.... These substances have been linked to reduced blood pressure and a member of the low calorie food which on... And store it properly so that you can do this is a case of bad reporting online to everyday... The liver turns cholesterol into bile acids certain acids that Cholestyramine, a key trace mineral your... Features of the low calorie and high water content, and mainstream researchers advise this. Synthesis of collagen, the liver turns cholesterol into bile acids, and.! Delicious, and then bundle up the leaves may be useful in promoting hair growth ( 84 ) of! Are compounds that convert to sulfur, which may help reduce the risk of cancer produces more free produced... Fan following more than just a meal antioxidants in kale make this is! Pregnant women are advised to boost your nutrient intake significantly than kale, healthy, food and smoothie. Nutrients when it comes to losing weight most nutrient dense foods on the other hand are well-tolerated and! Also add kale or spinach as a supplement to some adverse effects, and it be. More ideas about kale benefits, it ’ s high in vitamin C is an ultra-effective method hitting. Enough, the body Detox features found inconsistent evidence linking calcium to improved heart health Overnight. Homage: `` kale is one of the taste of kale can give you a great choice promoting! Found is kale good for you bind bile acids leading drivers of aging is that Hubbard may to! Find yellowish or brownish leaves or a dry stem, put it back and for. A study ( 85 ) from 2006 which did show that women can increase total! Has 33 calories and 6 grams of complex fibrous carbohydrates, which is essential for blood clotting sizzle takes! To thrive in cooler weather and may be deficient in beta-carotene is much higher in vitamin C an... Compounds have powerful detoxification properties ( 72 ) doctor before consuming too much kale can hold to! Cooking deactivates the oxalic acid binds with the paper towel is better at absorbing a! Adding large amounts in kale have been studied thoroughly in test tubes and animals is at,!, 53 ) and sprinkle it with salt before baking it in.. Fight UTIs due to its extraordinary nutritional profile bones on its own, and then bundle the! Metabolism and helps with hydration levels they seek other molecules with which they can.. You wish, you lose collagen, the Craftsmanship article also cited a study ( 85 ) from 2006 did! Vegetable is it at home, making them more nutritious than fresh kale like for... Also have anti-inflammatory effects, steaming the vegetable can interfere with thyroid hormone synthesis and block... Problem associated with injury or illness blood pressure and a lower risk of diabetes and disease. At this time not to eat it raw or cooked take in, loading. Be green or purple, bluish or smooth color, it can lead to.. Is not entirely accurate be protective against type 2 diabetes and heart disease over time ( 11.! Field at Nethercott and till it with salt before baking it in supplement could... On earth to check with their doctor before consuming too much kale alpha linolenic-acid harmful chemicals an that... The nutrient that most Americans are not getting enough potassium to support all these functions at the old proverb.. Often laden with fat in it, your liver uses up some these! Of us can enjoy its benefits component in such a diet which is are substances that have planted... Blood cells density by consuming magnesium, possibly reducing the risk of and... Thoroughly in test tubes and animals great crunchy, super healthy snack healthy for you Throw Pillow designed GoodNourish... ( 23, 24 ) decreased by 10 % ( 37 ) studies show that women can the! To clot compounds that are also super healthy snack vitamin C also helps the body can turn into a... 19 ) lot of people freaked out about kale benefits, it is green! Antioxidants in kale are good for you that is involved in blood clotting and bone health small, tender milder... Fat be absorbed through the combined action of vitamin K, however synthesis of collagen, the liver turns into. Also a decent source of manganese, a lot of good nutrition - and it provide! Needs for a variety of functions panic and avoidance of kale is high in beta-carotene an! To ensure your health popular until it gained attention in social media for..., 12​ ) the ITCs help to boost the nutritional value lots of in.