Inspiring others to enjoy healthful foods is an important part of what we do here at Body Mind Revolution. This season we share some of our favorite spring fruits and veggies and why they are so amazing! Today we’re highlighting kale and the wonderful benefits it has to offer.
Kale has been taking the health world by storm in recent years, and for good reason. This dark leafy green is packed with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that make it one of the healthiest foods you can eat.
Kale is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, which also includes broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. These vegetables are known for their anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties, and kale is no exception. Kale contains a variety of compounds that have been shown to help prevent and fight cancer, including sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol.
Kale’s health benefits go far beyond cancer prevention. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, iron, and fiber. In fact, one cup of raw kale contains more than 100% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin A and vitamin K.
Another benefit of kale is its low calorie and low fat content. This makes it an excellent food choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight or lose weight. Plus, its high fiber content can help keep you to feel full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to a healthy eating plan. And the fiber is just what a healthy gut Microbiome wants.
One of the best things about kale is its versatility. When it is young and tender it can be eaten raw in salads. It can always be sautéed as a side dish, or blended into smoothies. Kale is also a great addition to soups and stews, and can even be baked into crispy kale chips. (Yum).
Here are a few ways we love to enjoy kale:
- Add kale to your favorite smoothie recipe for a boost of nutrition.
- Sauté kale with garlic and olive oil for a delicious side dish.
- Top a pizza with kale and other veggies for a healthier take on a classic favorite.
- Make a batch of crispy kale chips for a healthy snack.
- Use kale as a base for your next salad, and add in other veggies, nuts, and seeds for extra flavor and nutrition.
In conclusion, kale is a nutrient-packed superfood that should be a regular part of your diet. With its numerous health benefits and versatility in the kitchen, there’s no reason not to give this green giant a try. So go ahead and add some kale to your plate today
Footnote:
To dispel a common myth about kale is that it can increase a thyroid goiter. This would only be true if someone were eating HUGE amounts of raw kale daily. And the reason kale could do this is only if the kale-over-eater is not getting enough quality intake of iodine. There you have it: the myth, the real scenario and the solution.