Kale is a nutritional powerhouse that provides our body with so many benefits when we consume it. Here are a few health benefits you can receive from this leafy green, it’s easy to see why it’s often considered a superfood!
• Kale is full of lutein. It is the top lutein-containing food in the USDA’s National Nutrient Database (which analyzes over 5000 foods that contain lutein). Lutein is a catenoid nutrient. It is extremely beneficial for eye health, more specifically, it protects different parts of the eye from any potential light or oxygen damage.
• Just one cup of cooked kale contains 1180% of the daily recommended value of vitamin K. This vitamin is associated with bone health, and low intakes of vitamin K can lead to higher risks for bone fractures. Therefore, kale is very healthy for your bones because it acts as a modifier of bone matrix proteins, meanwhile improving the absorption of calcium.
• Kale is very high in beta-carotene. This carotenoid is converted by the body into vitamin A whenever needed. One cup of cooked kale provides 885 mcg of retinol A equivalent, or 17707 IUs of vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for the growth of all body tissues, especially the skin and hair. It also produces sebum, which is the oil that keeps our hair and skin moisturized.
• Kale has a very impressive concentration of nutrients and antioxidants that strengthens the immune system, fighting viruses and bacteria. They also contain “prebiotic nutrients.” These are nutrients that support the growth of good bacteria within our digestive system, and fight off bad bacteria.
• Kale is high in iron, it actually has more iron than beef or any other animal product. This makes kale a great food for vegans and vegetarians to consume. Adequate iron in the body ensures that enough oxygen is delivered to the blood, and it also prevents anemia.
• Kale has the perfect omega-3 to omega-6 ratio. This gives kale immense anti-inflammatory affects on the body. Therefore, kale helps to alleviate pain from arthritis and various autoimmune disorders.
• Kale is a natural detoxifier. This means that it helps to remove toxins from the body. Not only does it remove toxins, but it also helps the body eliminate them completely. Kales strong ability to detoxify is largely from a component it contains called isothiocyanates (ITCs). ITCs are made from glucosinolates. They are known to assist your body to detox at the cellular level. Whether your body contains toxins from pollution, pesticides, processed foods, or pharmaceuticals, kale can help remove and eliminate them from your body.
• Kale even prevents cancer! Kale has literally been shown to stop cancer in its tracks. This is because kale is rich in a sulfur-containing compound called glucosinolate. This compound has many cancer-killing abilities, and it also inhibits tumor cell migration.
• Kale is full of essential vitamins and minerals. These include, but are not limited to: vitamin C, manganese, copper, calcium, potassium, vitamin B6, magnesium, folate, riboflavin, thiamin, phosphorus, niacin, and zinc.
Kale is also an ideal vegetable to grow indoors.Doing this ensures that your vegetables are pest-free and available all year-round. All you’ll need is a small space, water, and a reliable grow light.
