Kale- The Superfood to Eat Now!

What Are Superfoods?

It’s generally accepted that superfoods contain high levels of vitamins and minerals that our body needs, but there is no official scientific definition of a “superfood”. They can also be a good source of antioxidants; substances that may prevent some types of cell damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals, and can strengthen your ability to fight infections and diseases.

Why Kale Is Superfood?

Kale, like meat, contains all 9 essential amino acids, plus 9 other non- essential ones which is 18 amino acids in total that are used by the human body to create proteins. You should also have in mind that the amino-acids in kale are easier to extract and then reassembled back into the very complex human proteins from which our body is made of, compared to the ones from meat.

Kale contains excellent amounts of vitamins A, C and K. It is also a good source of magnesium, calcium, potassium, iron and other minerals.

With just one cup of kale a day you will get the recommended daily amount of vitamin A, which can help your body to prevent lung diseases. One cup of kale contains only 33 calories but provides over 200% of the necessary daily intake of vitamin A. Potassium has been proven to low the blood pressure and it is the key factor in preventing osteoporosis.

Also, kale, like most cruciferous vegetables, in several lab studies has show that is high in anticancer compounds, like sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol. Kale can be effective in helping lower cholesterol levels and as a detoxifier.

Besides, kale has beneficial effect on both heart and eye health.

Choosing and Preparing Kale

You can find kale in your local market throughout the year.  Choose the one with deeply colored bunches of leaves that are crisp. Smaller leaves will be tender in flavor.

You can freeze it (but plan to use it within four to six weeks), or store it in the refrigerator.

You can eat it raw or cook it. When cooked, some vitamin C can be lost, but lutein, vitamins K and A, and potassium are all retained well; and it is easier for the body to absorb this nutrients when cooked.

Kale can be chopped and boiled or steamed or used raw in a salad, you can add in a healthy soup or you can substitute your lettuce on your sandwich with kale…  one has  lots of choices!