Health

Health Benefits of Eating Kale

Green leafy vegetables are a healthy source of vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Your parents would have insisted you eat green leafy veggies like broccoli, spinach, cabbage, and Kale in your childhood days. All these are rich in nutrients and are commonly referred to as cruciferous veggies. The health benefits of these vegetables are many. Once you get to know them, you will never go back on saying no to eating them. In this article, you will come across the health benefits of eating kale.  

Rich in Antioxidants

Plant-based foods like Kale are rich in antioxidants. These are essential for our body to neutralize free radicals ( the waste substances produced by our body cells). The imbalance of antioxidants and free radicals, commonly referred to as oxidative stress, may give rise to numerous diseases. Hence, powerful antioxidants like Beta-carotene, quercetin, and kaempferol found in Kale protect our body from diseases and boost energy.  Also, Read: Best to Follow Diet for Patients with Cancer

From boosting immunity to improving your memory, the health benefits of water-soluble antioxidants, vitamin C are many. Kale is highly rich in vitamin C. A serving of one raw cup of Kale contains 134% of the DV (daily value). In other words, Kale is 4.5 times richer in vitamin C than spinach and higher vitamin C than a whole orange. Vitamin C deficiency may give rise to severe health problems like fatigue, dry hair, anemia, inflammation of gums, and other dental problems. So now you know what to eat to boost your immunity. 

Excellent Source of Calcium 

We all know how important the mineral, Calcium is for our body. Calcium ensures the health of bones, muscles, and nerves in the human body. Calcium deficiency may result in fatigue, joint pain, osteoporosis, poor coordination of body muscles, muscle cramps, and numbness. The human skeletal system, made of 206 bones, provides shape and support to the body. Consumption of Kale, rich in Calcium, will keep these bones dense and strong. 

Fight Cancer 

Kale contains compounds like carotenoids that act as antioxidants. They inhibit the formation of carcinogens by boosting the body’s defense mechanism. These antioxidants prevent free radicals from damaging the DNA that leads to cancer. Kale also contains other cancer-fighting substances like sulforaphane and indole-3 carbinol, preventing the uncontrolled growth of cells in the body.  

Kale is Rich in Iron 

People suffering from iron deficiency would know how tiring and exhausting their days can be. Insufficient iron in the human body means low blood count or low hemoglobin.  This can result in the poor circulation of blood, limiting the reach of oxygenated blood to all body parts. It can further lead to anemia and an increased risk of infections. Kale is an excellent source of iron.  Pairing it up with foods rich in vitamin c will enhance iron absorption. Give your body an energy boost and ensure the healthy functioning of your liver and cell growth through adequate iron intake by consuming green veggies like Kale and spinach.  

It Helps you Lose Weight 

Kale is the perfect veggie to add to your grocery list. Apart from being rich in nutrients, Kale is a hunger suppressor and contains low calories. Green leafy vegetables like Kale help you lose weight, for it is rich in protein and fiber and has high water content and low energy density.

Good for Digestion 

Being rich in fiber, Kale is perfect for digestion. While preparing servings, please do not throw away the stem. They are rich in prebiotics ( ingredients in the food that promote the growth of healthy and beneficial microorganisms in the intestines). Prebiotics keeps the digestive system healthy by promoting the growth of good bacteria.  Also, Read: 7 Proven PCOS Diet Plan to Lose Weight 

One can eat Kale either raw or cooked. Kale goes well with soup and salads. Some people also place kale leaves as addons in burgers.  If you are craving a healthy green smoothie, blend other veggies with Kale for an energy boost. You can also add flax seeds, nuts, and almonds to make it more healthy, crispy, and delicious.  

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