February 5, 2017
What is kale?
Kale is a member of the cabbage family. It is related to cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, collard greens and brussels sprouts.
There are many different types of kale. The leaves can be green or purple in color, and have either a smooth or curly shape.
The most common type of kale is the curly kale which has green and curly leaves and a hard, fibrous stem.
The health benefits of kale have been enjoyed since ancient Rome and history tells us that it was one of the most popular green leafy vegetables of the Middle Ages. That’s a fun fact!
Kale has many health benefits such as:
- Kale is high in iron
- High in vitamin K
- Filled with powerful antioxidants
- Great anti-inflammatory
- Aids in cardiovascular health
- High in beta-carotene
- High in vitamin C
- High in calcium
- Kale is a great detox food
- High in fiber
- Has numerous cancer fighting substances
- Rich in chlorophyll
Kale is a very low calorie food which helps in weight loss! Kale is packed with nutrients that are great for healthy skin, hair, eyes and bones. It’s even super duper for the digestive system. We all know that without proper digestion and assimilation of nutrients, we cannot reap the benefits. All the more reason I am GLAD to include kale in my morning smoothie every day!
TIPS:
- Make a healthy kale chips for snacking. Place on a tray and sprinkle with olive oil and salt. Cook for 10-15 minutes at 350F
- Add kale to your morning smoothie
- Add it to your salads to have a variety of greens
- Add to soups
- Whip up a quick and easy pesto by using kale, fresh garlic gloves, basil and olive oil. Put that on pasta. DELISH!
There are endless possibilities with kale. You can even make kale face masks and scrubs. Who knew? So just have fun with it!
Tania
