I’m sure many of you have heard the word ‘kale’ and don’t know exactly what it is. Kale is a type of cabbage that has become very famous over the past few years It even has its own day in the United States! The National Kale Day.
In addition, experts around the world include kale more and more in their recipes so it should become a must in our diet. From here we explain What is kale and what are the benefits and properties of this superfood?.
- Related article: “Discover the 10 superfoods that you should include in your diet”.
What is Kale?
The kale is a type of cabbage, rough and green structure.. It belongs to the same family as cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli, among other cabbages. It is characterized by its texture, so it can also be called kale or collard greens. This type of cabbage has become very popular in Europe although it is known that its origin comes from the United States.
Although it became known around 1980, it has not been until the last few years that it has become famous and has gained even more popularity thanks to the increase of vegan and vegetarian recipes. vegan and vegetarian recipes, as well as by the use of theas well as the use of social networks, where celebrities and chefs from all over the world have promoted kale.
And why so much hype? Well, it has become known that kale is a superfood that has great properties and provides us with many benefits. and provides us with many benefits.
Properties and benefits of kale
Here is a list of the properties and benefits of kale for your health and well-being, which have elevated it to the category of superfood.
1. Beneficial for bones
For starters, kale contains a lot of calcium: one cup of kale has more calcium than a cup of milk! So consuming kale is beneficial if you suffer from bone density or osteoporosis..
2. Improves the immune system
Kale contains a lot of vitamin C, so it activates our immune system and will make us feel much better and stronger against possible health problems that may affect us.
3. Better vision and skin
Kale also contains vitamin A, which will help to have better vision and maintain a perfect skin.It is not only the perfect food for our interior but also for our exterior.
4. Detox and anticarcinogenic
In addition, among its benefits we also find vitamin K, known for its detoxifying and anticarcinogenic properties. detoxifying and anticarcinogenic properties..
5. Balances cholesterol
The kale also has a high amount of omega 3so if you have high cholesterol, this is definitely your food to fight it.
6. Great contribution of iron
This type of cabbage is a great source of iron.So if you suffer from anemia, kale is an ideal food to combat it.
- Related article: “10 foods rich in iron ideal to combat anemia”.
7. Helps to lose weight
For diets? Great! This superfood is not only very healthy, but it is rich in fiber and low in calories. One cup of kale is equivalent to 39 calories5 grams of fiber and best of all: 0 fat!
That is why it is not only included in traditional recipes, but we will find it in all kinds of diets to lose weight or to keep our body healthy. Experts recommend consuming kale a minimum of twice a week to enjoy the benefits of this superfood.
8. Helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease
In addition to these properties, kale also contains magnesium, zinc and potassium.It is said to have properties to prevent and reduce Alzheimer’s disease.
Who can not consume kale
But although it is ideal to include this superfood in your diet, it should always be consumed responsibly and always maintain a varied diet.
Although kale has become the God of foods for all of the above, it also has its contraindications:
- If large amounts of kale are consumed it can cause us discomfort.
- If you have an irritated colon, it aggravates your symptoms due to its large amounts of fiber.
- If you have thyroid, it is necessary to go with great caution since, like the rest of vegetables of its kind, interfere in the functioning of the thyroid gland.
- If you have kidney or gallbladder problems, be careful because kale contains oxalates.
- Also be very careful if you take anticoagulant drugsThe high content of vitamin K together with the medicines can result in a toxic mixture.
In these cases, it is best to always consult with your doctor and dietitian in case you have any special problem. But if this is not the case, kale will always be more beneficial than counterproductive.
How to eat kale
As a vegetable, kale is a dense food, but it can be eaten both raw and cooked. can be eaten either raw or cooked.. Best of all, this type of cabbage can be combined with any food.
The two most popular ways to consume kale are as an addition to salads and as an ingredient in smoothies. added to salads and as an ingredient in smoothies.However, there are many different recipes for all tastes, so that everyone can choose the one they like the most or the one that best suits them at any given moment.
Impossible not to resist now to consume this delicious food!
- Related article: “The 12 anti-cancer foods (that you should include in your diet).”