The health benefits of kale are extensive. This super food contains many vitamins and minerals and can go a long way in maintaining overall health. By eating the right foods, we can avoid many diseases and generally feel better. Instead of waiting until we get sick and then treating the disease, we can stay healthy by eating the right foods and kale is one of those foods that should be included in your diet. If you have never tried kale, take a moment to look around this site. We offer many tips on how to cook it, how to include it in your diet, and also some good recipes you may want to try!
Kale and Cholesterol
There are a few major kale benefits to take note of. First, kale can lower cholesterol. For this benefit, it is best to steam the kale. By steaming it, the fibers bind better with the bile released once the process of digestive has begun. This makes it easier for the bile to be excreted, which results in lower levels of cholesterol. This benefit can also occur from eating raw kale, however, the result is not as strong.
Kale as an Anti-Inflammatory
Kale is also an anti-inflammatory. This comes from the amount of omega-3 fatty acids found in kale. It takes just 100 calories to get up to 35% of the daily recommended amount of omega-3 ALA fatty acids. By regularly eating kale, this is enough for some anti-inflammatory benefits. Another way kale can treat inflammation is by the very high amount of vitamin K present. Kale is actually one of the most potent sources of this vitamin. Vitamin K plays a major role in the inflammatory processes our bodies go through. This combination of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin K result in lowering your risk for developing chronic inflammatory diseases as well as health problems associated with inflammation.
Kale and Antioxidants
Most people have heard about how important antioxidants are for our health. Researchers are also looking at the links between antioxidants and chronic diseases like cancer. There are two different types of antioxidants: carotenoids and flavonoids. Kale has both of these, and they are easily absorbed into the blood stream. Within these antioxidants, there contains at least 45 different flavonoids. These antioxidants go to work protecting the body from oxidative stress. This is when the oxygen metabolism becomes compromised and chronic inflammation results. When this happens, many diseases start to develop, including cancer, cataracts, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Kale Nutrition
There are many vitamins and minerals found in kale. It is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Just one cup contains nearly all the vitamin C you need for the entire day. It also contains magnesium and fiber. Kale is a good source of B vitamins. While most people may think of protein as coming from animal products, it is also found in vegetables, including kale. Think of kale as a tasty, all in one vitamin supplement with the added benefit of omega-3 fatty acids and protein.
There are so many health benefits of kale. The nutrients available in this mineral can prevent many chronic diseases. By eating well we can maintain better physical health. Avoid ailments associated with inadequate nutrition by filling your diet with wholesome and nutritious foods like kale. Have fun finding new recipes and learning how to cook with it.
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