Ten Benefits of Eating Kale

Everytime I travel out to California for treatment, to visit my doctor, or for personal enjoyment, I am always amazed by the amount of Kale salads that seem to be everywhere. Honestly, its not just the salads either. Kale is a regular feature on almost every menu that I see and in every grocery store there is an abundance of fresh Kale.

To be honest, until nine years ago, while I was receiving treatment at Whitaker Wellness Institute, I had never eaten Kale before. That all changed though after I found out that my iron levels tested in the deficient zone, that I was severely anemic, and had my first taste of the "kale love" from California. I was immediately hooked and I totally recommend that you become try adding kale to your diet too!

 Here are just a few of the powerful benefits that are found in this lovely leafy green (or the "queen of greens" as it has  been nicknamed):

1. Kale is extremely low in calories

Kale has under 40 calories for 1 cup, has lots of fiber (5 grams of fiber for one cup), and has absolutely no fat. 

2. Kale can influence Your Brain

 Dr. Drew Ramsey, who is the Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute, and who just co-authored the book, "50 Shades of Kale" wrote a wonderful article in the Huffington Post of the influence that Kale has on your brain, as well as your body. To read the article click HERE.

3. Kale is an excellent source of iron. 

4. Kale is a good source of certain minerals 

These minerals include potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus. If you check out this dentist in Oxnard CA, they'll also tell you that kale is high in calcium, which helps in building the teeth's enamel.

5. Kale is a great anti-inflammatory food 

This was shocking for me to learn: ONE cup of kale will help with 10% of the recommended daily allowance of omega-3's that help fight various autoimmune disorders.

6. Kale is known to help inhibit cancer cells. 

In an article in the Washington Post, Walter C. Willett, chairman of the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health states that while there are still studies being done to witness this in humans, the compounds found in Kale have helped inhibit cancer cells in animals. 

7. Kale Contains Luetin and Zeaxanthin

In addition to the anti-cancer benefits of Kale, Kale also contains lutein and zeaxanthin compounds which help promote eye-health.

8. Kale Helps the Body Detoxify 

Are you looking to help your liver function at its best? Kale is a great detoxifying food and filled with iron and sulfur that help the liver function at its best. 

9. Kale is helpful in boosting your immune system

Kale is filled with Vitamin C and Vitamin A, both of which naturally help boost your immune system. 

10. Kale contains an extreme amount of Vitamin K

Some resources state that one cup of Kale contains an extreme amount of Vitamin K (along with high numbers of Vitamin A & C).

So what about y'all? Do you eat Kale? Anyone make any Kale chips that are good? How do you eat your Kale? And to leave you with a laugh for the day (because there are so many health benefits found in laughter) I saw the following picture on the web. Hope it gives you a laugh like it gave me!

Picture found HERE

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{Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her health care provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information on this website does not create a physician-patient relationship.} While Kale is an excellent source of the things mentioned above, it might not be right for your body. Always consult a physician.