Kale Nutrition Facts

Kale Nutrition Facts
Kale is leafy green or purple vegetable that is generally classified by its leaf type (curly-leaf, plain leaf, rape kale, leaf and spear, or Tuscan kale). Prior to the end of the Middle Ages this vegetable was the most commonly eaten green vegetable in Europe. Kale served an important purpose in the U.K. during times of food rationing in World War II because of its high nutrient value and how easy it is to grow. Kale is becoming a popular vegetable due to its health benefits that range from cholesterol-lowering effects and cancer risk lowering effects.
Interesting Kale Nutrition Facts:
Kale is a cruciferous vegetable. Cruciferous vegetables should be consumed at least 2-3 times a week in order to reap health benefits from their consumption.
Steaming kale is the best way to prepare it in order to maximize its health benefits.
1 cup of cooked kale contains high levels of vitamins K, A, C, B6, E, B2, and B1.
Kale is very low on the glycemic index which means it does not spike blood sugar levels.
Kale contains high levels of manganese, copper, fiber, and potassium.
Kale contains antioxidant nutrients, anti-inflammatory nutrients, and anti-cancer nutrients.
Glucosinolates are cancer prevention nutrients found in kale. These nutrients have shown to be helpful in both the prevention and treatment of bladder, breast, colon, ovarian, and prostate cancer.
Kale contains lutein and beta-carotene which protect the body from oxidative stress problems such as cataracts, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and atherosclerosis.
Kale contains high levels of vitamin K which is known for its ability to regulate the body's inflammation process. Vitamin K can also lower the risk of chronic inflammation.
Kale has been shown to help reduce cholesterol in the body. Kale's fiber-related nutrients bind with bile acids during digestion and removing them from the body. The liver then takes more cholesterol from the body to replace what is lost and the result is lower cholesterol.
Kale contains isothiocyanates which help regulate the detoxification process in the body's cells. This is important for removing toxins that are ingested either through food or from the environment.
Kale may help to protect the lining of the stomach from an overgrowth of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori.
Kale contains no fat, and it is low in calories.
Kale is high in fiber which helps improve digestion and the elimination process in the body.
The iron in kale helps in the formation of enzymes and hemoglobin. It also helps to transport oxygen throughout the body. Iron is important for proper liver function and cell growth in the body.
Only one cup of kale contains 10% of the recommended daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids can help to fight autoimmune disorders, asthma and arthritis.
The vitamin C in kale is beneficial to the body's immune system.
Kale contains more calcium than in milk per calorie. Calcium helps to prevent bone loss and osteoporosis.
Because kale can be contaminated by pesticides when growing it is best to buy organically grown kale whenever possible.


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