One of the healthiest and nutritionally dense foods of the world and tagged as the “Queen of the Greens”, kale is now a magnet of attention among health enthusiasts. This is due to the amazing benefits it carries, along with loads of ways it can be prepared and served. A breakdown of nutritional values of kale can get you a long list of health and medical advantages.
Kale is high in carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, which have been proven to prevent macular degeneration. “When I think of kale, I really think of your eyes.” Frechman says. It also has tons of fiber—a cup of kale packs 90 mg of fiber while a cup of spinach only has 30 mg.
Step One
Heart Disease - The fiber, potassium, vitamin C and B6 content in kale all support heart health. An increase in potassium intake along with a decrease in sodium intake is the most important dietary change that a person can make to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease, according to Mark Houston, M.D., M.S., an associate clinical professor of medicine at Vanderbilt Medical School and director of the Hypertension Institute at St. Thomas Hospital in Tennessee.2 In one study, those who consumed 4069 mg of potassium per day had a 49% lower risk of death from ischemic heart disease compared with those who consumed less potassium (about 1000 mg per day). High potassium intakes are also associated with a reduced risk of stroke, protection against loss of muscle mass, preservation of bone mineral density and reduction in the formation of kidney stones. For blood pressure, increasing potassium intake may be just as important as decreasing sodium intake for lowering blood pressure because of potassium's vasodilation effects. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, fewer than 2% of US adults meet the daily 4700 mg recommendation.2 One cup of chopped fresh kale provides 329 milligrams of potassium. Also of note, a high potassium intake is associated with a 20% decreased risk of dying from all causes.
Step Two
Cancer: Kale and other green vegetables that contain chlorophyll have been shown to be effective at blocking the carcinogenic effects of heterocyclic amines, which are generated when grilling foods at a high temperature. If you tend to like your grilled foods charred, make sure to pair them with green vegetables to help negate these effects.
Step Three
Bone Health: Low intakes of vitamin K have been associated with a higher risk for bone fracture. Adequate vitamin K consumption is important for good health, as it acts as a modifier of bone matrix proteins, improves calcium absorption and may reduce urinary excretion of calcium. One cup of kale provides a whopping 550 micrograms of vitamin K, over 680% of our daily needs.
Step Four
Digestion: Kale is high in fiber and water content, both of which help to prevent constipation and promote regularity and a healthy digestive tract.
Step Five
Healthy Skin and Hair: Kale is high in vitamin A, a nutrient required for sebum production to keep hair moisturized. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair. Adequate intake of vitamin C, which kale can provide, is needed for the building and maintenance of collagen, which provides structure to skin and hair. Iron-deficiency is a common cause of hair loss, which can be prevented by an adequate intake of iron-rich foods, like kale.