Kale considered to be a super-food, is a well talked about green, leafy, vegetable with several health benefits to its name. It belongs to the same biological family as that of cabbage and the most nutritious variety has cruciferous leaves which maybe green or purple in colour. Rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Vitamin C and calcium, kale can be added to salads or just as a stir fried dish.
Here are few of the health benefits offered by kale:
1 . Fights Cancer
-Kale contains a host of powerful anti-oxidants like quercetin and kaempferol that reduce the oxidative damage caused in the body.
-It also contains a compound called sulforaphane that is known to fight cancer. All these make kale great for fighting ageing, inflammation and cancer.
2 . Promotes Heart Health
-Kale contains a substance that can combine with bile acid produced by the liver and prevent it from being absorbed by the body. Bile acid combines with cholesterol which kale stops from being absorbed.
-Studies have found regularly drinking kale juice increases HDL or good cholesterol and decreases LDL or bad cholesterol.
3 . Improves Eye Sight
-Kale contains nutrients called lutein and zeaxanthin. Studies have shown that these nutrients can stop eyesight problems like cataracts and macular degeneration.
-Containing a high amount of Vitamin A (206% of RDA) also increases the beneficial effect of the vegetable and promote a healthy eye sight.
4 . Boosts Immunity
-Kale is one of the rare vegetables with high amounts of Vitamin C (134% of RDA) containing more Vitamin C than an orange.
-This not only boosts the immunity but is also vital for healthy skin and hair. Vitamin C in the body has been found to shorten the duration of illness and also reduces the symptoms of severity.
5 . Builds Up Bones
-Vitamin K is essential for maintaining bone health and kale being rich in Vitamin K plays an important role in promoting healthy bones. Vitamin K also helps in blood coagulation.
-Studies have been found to link Vitamin K in the prevention of bone diseases such as osteoporosis.
6 . Aids Weight Loss
–Low in calories but high in nutrients, kale is the ideal weight loss food you should have on your diet chart. One cup Kale (around 67 grams) contains only 33 calories but enough fibre, protein and nutrients to be beneficial for the body.
-You can bake kale leaves to make crunchy kale chips that are great and healthy snacks. Kale soup and kale juice are other options to eat this super-food.
So, go ahead and add this super healthy food in your daily diet and reap the countless health benefits that it has to offer. Eat Healthy, Stay Happy with 1mg!