When you finish exercising and you’re contemplating what to eat for a snack, the go-to for any health buff is normally a refreshing salad. Why not add an extra health kick to that salad by infusing some kale into your meal?
Kale is filled with many health benefits, with some of them being medicinal. Kale is a part of the cabbage family, which is related to other healthy leafy greens, such as brussel sprouts and spinach.
Raw kale carries a variety of nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin K, and vitamin C. Vitamin A helps our eye sight, especially our night vision, vitamin K regulates blood clotting and helps with bone health, and vitamin C can help boost the production of collagen and improve the appearance of skin. These vitamins are examples of antioxidants. Antioxidants prevent cell damage from oxidation. They are also natural occurring in the body to help fight off viruses and microbes. However, you can’t overload your body with antioxidants as they have been linked with chronic conditions like cancer, vision loss, and diabetes. It also includes manganese and has a low-calorie count.
It can also help with diabetes because kale is rich in fibre. It is proven that if a person with type 2 diabetes increases their dietary fibre, their blood sugar will drop. It also promotes natural anti-inflammatory omega-3 and pro-inflammatory omega-6 agents, whereas processed foods contain too much omega-6 and are linked to diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and rheomode arthritis. Kale is a great way to counteract this effect on the body. It has also been linked to cancer prevention. The gluocosinolates are chemicals that break down during the digestion process that prevent cancer cells to grow. It is important to have a balance. It is recommended to eat one to two cups of these greens every week.
Don’t worry if you do not like salad; there are several great recipes that can incorporate kale into your diet. If you chop up some kale leaves and put them in the oven, you can have crispy kale chips. It’s a great alternative to potato chips that are high in fat and sodium. You can mix up spices for extra flavour. You can also put kale in smoothies. Some tips include putting baby kale in your smoothies because the taste is not as strong and can be easily hidden, if you’re not fond of the peppery and bitter taste. You can also try juicing the kale for a fresh flavour and mix it with different fruits and vegetables. If you’re looking to incorporate kale in your entrées, you can try using it as a wrap for your chicken or shrimp. For extra flavour, add a squeeze of lemon.
Whether you’re looking to improve your diet, or just enjoy the taste, eating kale is great for getting the nutrients you need. It can be incorporated in a variety of recipes and improves your overall health.
