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nutrition 101

The health benefits of eating kale stem back generations in my family, curly Kale has been a winter staple in my mother’s repertoire of hearty, Irish dishes. Even in the deepest coldest January months, when the ground was frozen, she could dig up some kale from the vegetable patch and whip up a vitamin-packed meal providing us with easy access to these 10 predominant health benefits, completely unknownst to us.

This hearty, leafy green is quickly overtaking spinach’s pole position as the superstar ingredient for conscious eating – partly due to its long list of health benefits, and also due to its unique, rich flavor. Slightly bitter with a tangy note, kale is available in several different varieties. It belongs to the Brassica family that includes vegetables such as cabbage, collard greens, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. Kale packs a powerful nutritional punch.

Here we list the top 10 health benefits of kale and provide a few simple recipes to start working it into your diet. You can eat it raw or cooked, using it in salads, soups, stews, stir-fries, snacks, and smoothies.

1. Detox and weight loss:

One cup of kale has 36 calories and zero fat. It also contains 5 grams of fiber, lowering cholesterol, and aiding in digestion and elimination. Sulfur compounds also support digestion and liver health.

2. Chock full of Vitamin C

(200% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA)), which increases metabolism, supports the immune system, promotes healthy blood sugar levels, relieves stiff joints, and maintains healthy cartilage.

3. Kale is a great source of iron for vegans and vegetarians, containing

Containing more iron than beef. Iron is necessary for hemoglobin formation, oxygenating the blood, cell growth, muscle function, and proper liver function

4. Kale contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids

Providing health benefits for the skin. Fatty acids are also great anti-inflammatory components, fighting arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and asthma.

5. Packed with vitamin A

(180% of the RDA), Kale helps strengthen eyes, nourish the skin, and prevent lung and oral cancers.

6. A vegan source of Calcium

(15% of the RDA), Kale contains more calcium than milk, calorie for calorie.

7. Kale is a Vitamin K bomb.

A one-cup serving contains 1020% of the RDA. A diet high in vitamin K can help protect against various cancers. It’s also necessary for bone health, prevents blood clotting, and can help with symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

8. Hello B vitamins!

Folic acid and B6 (15% of RDA) are found in Kale too, offering cardiovascular support and preventing heart disease.

9. Kale is bursting with antioxidants like carotenoids and flavonoids

Which helps protect against cancer. To name a couple, lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids that filter harmful high-energy blue wavelengths of light and act as antioxidants in the eye, helping protect and maintain healthy cells.