Here are 7 benefits of kale.
1. Beta-Carotene
Beta-carotene is an antioxidant which helps to build the body’s immune system. An antioxidant helps neutralize free radicals and helps prevent molecules from oxidizing. One cup of cooked kale has about 5.8 mg of beta-carotene (Barone et. al, 2002). Beat-carotene is also important because it’s a precursor for the production of vitamin A. When we get adequate amounts of vitamin A, we have healthier skin, a stronger immune system, and it helps with vision as well.2. Calcium
According to Organicauthority.com, kale contains more calcium per calorie than milk (90 grams per serving) and is also easier to absorb. Calcium is important in preventing osteoporosis, preventing boss loss, and helps maintain a healthy metabolism. Remember to get enough vitamin D, since it helps with the absorption of calcium.3. Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is a type of pigment that provides kale it’s deep green color. There are many benefits of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll aids in gastrointestinal problems, promotes the formation of hemoglobin and red blood cells, has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, and it also helps with bad breath. Chlorophyll also aids in absorbing the odor of garlic. So many people don’t like juicing garlic because of the smell and after odor, if you wrap parsley or kale around a garlic clove and then feed it into the juicer, the chlorophyll actually absorbs the odor of the garlic. Chlorophyll is a great detoxifier as well, so add kale and other dark leafy greens to your juice.4. Folate
Kale contains folate which is an important B vitamin. Folate also prevents certain birth defects and is important for normal brain development of unborn babies. Folate is has anticancer properties and is important in maintaining a healthy heart.5. Isothiocyanates
Ever wonder why kale and other greens have a pungent taste? Well they contain a compound called isothiocyanate. This compound helps in preventing hormone based cancers and inhibit cancerous elements from in smoke.6. Lutein & Zeaxanthin
These carotenoids are helpful in preventing macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is the number one cause of blindness in the elderly.7. Vitamin K
Vitamin k is important in bone building and has anti-clotting abilities. Due to it’s anti-clotting abilities, vitamin K may interfere with certain medications, thus check with your doctor if kale is right for you!Add more kale to your daily consumption. Add it to your juice, sautéed it with some coconut oil (check out the benefits of coconut oil by clicking here), make kale chips, steam it or just eat it raw!
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