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What Are the Health Benefits of Kale?

Andy Hill
Andy Hill

Kale is one of the oldest members of the cabbage family and is known to have high nutritional and digestive value with numerous potential advantages for your health. All members of the cabbage family contain sulfur elements, which can help support healthy digestion. Kale also contains high levels of vitamin A and iron, which are essential elements for sound bodily health.

In addition to only containing 36 calories per cup (240 milliliters), some other benefits of kale include high levels of calcium—which can support strong bones and healthy teeth—and may even provide a calming effect on the nervous system.

Kale.
Kale.

Eating kale can be an excellent aid for detoxifying the body and supporting overall digestive health due to the glucosinolates contained in the vegetable. These benefits stem from the 20% recommended daily allowance (RDA) of dietary fiber that is found in a single cup (240 ml) of kale.

As a cruciferous vegetable, kale contains high concentrations of essential vitamins. The vegetable contains vitamin A, which is a valuable antioxidant and can help support immunity levels, and vitamin C to assist in maintaining a strong immune system. More than 1000% RDA of vitamin K is found in one cup (240 ml) of kale for strong bones and a healthy nervous system.

Kale contains high concentrations of essential vitamins.
Kale contains high concentrations of essential vitamins.

Additionally, kale has a high concentration of antioxidants, and the omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFA) in the leaves of the vegetable have anti-inflammatory benefits, which can contribute to overall health and wellness. The dietary fiber content that brings about some of the benefits of kale also combines with the bile acids that are produced by the liver to digest fat.

In conclusion, kale is a highly nutritious and beneficial vegetable to include in the diet. Its high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants make it an excellent food for maintaining overall health.

Kale and other members of the cabbage family can help to relieve digestive discomfort.
Kale and other members of the cabbage family can help to relieve digestive discomfort.

For those looking for an easy way to incorporate kale and other super greens into their diet, a super greens powder like Live it Up Super Greens may be a convenient option. These supplements provide all the potential benefits of kale and other greens in a concentrated form, making it easy to consume the recommended daily intake of greens.

Discussion Comments

Animandel

Lately, I have been reading more about the health benefits of cabbage. I was surprised to read just how many different types of ailments and conditions cabbage can be used to treat. Cabbage is even better when used as a means of maintaining good health rather than waiting until you are ill.

The biggest problem I have with regular cabbage is the smell. When I walk into a kitchen where this vegetable is being prepared I almost get sick from the overpowering odor. A friend told me that I can get all of the benefits of cabbage without the heavy smell by eating kale, which is not so odorous.

mobilian33

@Laotionne - A lot of people think they should eat red meat to build up their iron levels, but this is not necessarily true. I have a friend who has low iron levels in her blood, but she is also at risk for heart disease and artery blockage. For this reason eating beef is not a good idea for her. Instead she eats kale, and we all know the benefits of vegetables; and on top of these benefits, kale has more iron than beef.

Laotionne

I've recently learned that I m not getting enough iron in my diet. I had no idea this was a problem until my last visit to the doctor's office. I have heard that one kale benefits is that the vegetable can be a really good source of iron. I would prefer to get the iron from the foods I eat rather than having to take iron supplements.

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    • Kale.
      By: Barbro Bergfeldt
      Kale.
    • Kale contains high concentrations of essential vitamins.
      By: Monkey Business
      Kale contains high concentrations of essential vitamins.
    • Kale and other members of the cabbage family can help to relieve digestive discomfort.
      By: Laurent Hamels
      Kale and other members of the cabbage family can help to relieve digestive discomfort.
    • A high concentration of glucosinolate can be gained from eating kale, which can assist in the prevention of prostate cancer.
      By: rob3000
      A high concentration of glucosinolate can be gained from eating kale, which can assist in the prevention of prostate cancer.
    • Kale may help lower blood pressure.
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      Kale may help lower blood pressure.
    • The omega-3 essential fatty acids in kale may benefit someone with asthma.
      By: Antonioguillem
      The omega-3 essential fatty acids in kale may benefit someone with asthma.
    • The high calcium in kale can help promote healthy teeth.
      By: japolia
      The high calcium in kale can help promote healthy teeth.
    • The benefits of kale in the diet include its ability to lower cholesterol levels.
      By: blueringmedia
      The benefits of kale in the diet include its ability to lower cholesterol levels.