12 Amazing Health Benefits of Kale

Kale is a nutritional powerhouse .  There are so may different ways to eat it too, from salads, sandwiches, and stir fry's to soups and smoothies.

Eaten raw in a salad, it can be a bit chewy - just massage it for a few seconds in fresh lemon juice & let sit for a few minutes, it'll soften right up! 

Here are 12 of the top reasons to add kale into your diet:

1. Kale is beneficial for digestive health.  Fiber aids in digestion and elimination helping to remove toxins from the body.  It’s nutrient content is high including various vitamins and minerals as listed below.

2. Kale is loaded with antioxidants.   Antioxidants, such as carotenoids and flavonoids reduce the negative affects of free radicals, while helping to protect against various cancers.

3.  Kale promotes healthy skin and hair.  Kale is high in vitamin A,  which is necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair.

4. Kale is high in iron. Per calorie, kale has more iron than beef.  Iron is essential for good health, energy levels, the formation of hemoglobin and enzymes, oxygen transport throughout the body, cell growth, and so much more.

5. Kale is high in Vitamin K.  Vitamin K can help protect against various cancers while being necessary for a wide variety of bodily functions including bone health and normal blood clotting.  Low intakes of vitamin K has been associated with a higher risk of bone fracture.

6. Kale is high in Vitamin A.   Vitamin A is great for vision, your skin as well as helping to prevent lung and oral cavity cancers.

7. Kale offers anti-inflammatory properties.  Just one cup of kale provides 10% of the RDA of omega-3 fatty acids.  Omega 3's  help reduce the effects of conditions like asthma, arthritis, and autoimmune disorders.  It is also alkaline forming in the body which in of itself reduces inflammation.

8. Kale is great for cardiovascular support.  It can help lower cholesterol levels.   The fiber, potassium, vitamin C and B6 in kale, all support heart health. 

9. Kale is high in Vitamin C. This is very helpful for your immune system, your metabolism and your hydration.

10. Kale is high in calcium. Per calorie, kale has more calcium than milk, which aids in preventing bone loss, preventing osteoporosis and maintaining a healthy metabolism. Vitamin C is also helpful to maintain cartilage and joint flexibility

11. Kale is a great detox food. Kale is filled with fiber and sulfur, both great for liver health and detoxifying your body.

12.  Kale can help stabilize blood glucose levels.   One cup of kale provides roughly 2.6 grams of fiber - research has shown that type 1 diabetics who consume high-fiber diets have lower blood glucose levels while type 2 diabetics may have improved blood sugar, lipids and insulin levels. Kale also contains an antioxidant known as alpha-lipoic acid, which has been shown to lower glucose levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and prevent oxidative stress-induced changes in diabetics.