Kale is a green, leafy, cruciferous vegetable that is rich in nutrients. It may offer a range of health benefits for the whole body.
It is a member of the mustard, or Brassicaceae, family, as are cabbage and Brussels sprouts.
Kale contains fiber, antioxidants, calcium, vitamins C and K, iron, and a wide range of other nutrients that can help prevent various health problems.
Antioxidants help the body remove unwanted toxins that result from natural processes and environmental pressures.
These toxins, known as free radicals, are unstable molecules. If too many build up in the body, they can lead to cell damage. This may result in health problems such as inflammation and diseases. Experts believe that free radicals may play a role in the development of cancer, for example.
Kale is a crisp and hearty vegetable, with a hint of earthiness. The flavors and nutritional content can vary between types. Younger leaves and summer leaves tend to be less bitter and fibrous.
1. Fights Inflammation
Arguably the most beneficial property of eating kale is its ability to relieve inflammation, thanks to its content of antioxidants. Antioxidants are important compounds that can help fight free radical damage, reduce oxidative stress and, most notably, decrease inflammation.
What’s more, each serving also provides a good amount of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids in the form of alpha linolenic-acid (ALA). Omega-3 fatty acids are involved in a number of aspects of health and are especially important for the regulation of inflammatory processes in the body.
2. Rich in Antioxidants
Going hand-in-hand with its anti-inflammatory potency, kale is one of the top antioxidant foods. In fact, it’s particularly rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, which is the precursor to vitamin A.
Not only can antioxidants help protect against cell damage caused by free radicals, but they also play a central role in health and disease. Research shows that antioxidants could be especially beneficial against chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
3. Aids in Detoxification
One of the top health benefits of this cruciferous vegetable is its ability to naturally detoxify the body. It not only helps remove toxins, but also helps eliminate them entirely.
This is due to the presence of isothiocyanates (ITCs), which are a compound found in kale that have been shown to help detox your body at the cellular level. These ITCs are a powerful “one-two punch”against toxins and free radicals. They also help stimulate the production of phase II enzymes, which are responsible for detoxifying the body by promoting the excretion of harmful substances.
4. Supports Heart Health
The powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of kale make it a perfect food for promoting heart health. It also contains many micronutrients that are crucial to heart health, including vitamin K, potassium and omega-3 fatty acids.
Post time: Jun-23-2020