Monday, October 1, 2012

What's So Great About Kale?

{Nourish : October : Kale}
History: Kale was cultivated by both the ancient Greeks and Romans and is believed to have been brought to Britain by either the Celts or the Romans.
What's Inside
An Abundance Of
 Vitamin K (in the form of carotenoids) - Vitamin A - Vitamin C 
Manganese - Dietary Fiber
A Very Good Source Of
Copper - Tryptophan - Calcium - Vitamin B6 - Potassium 
A Good Source Of
Iron - Magnesium - Vitamin E - Vitamin B12 - Protein - Vitamin B1
Folate - Phosphorous - Vitamin B3


Other Health Benefits: Kale, as you can probably gather from the long list above of nutrients it contains, is one of the most nutrient-dense foods. Among some of its other health benefits are the following.
  • Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Benefits: "In addition to conventional antioxidants like Vitamin C, Beta-Carotene, and Manganese, kale also provides us with at least 45 different recently discovered flavonoids, many of which are known to function as both antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds."
  • Cancer-preventing: Kale is also a top food source for at least 4 Glucosinolates, which after digestion can be converted by the body into cancer preventive compounds. 
Read more about the health benefits of Kale here.


All in the Family: Kale is in the same vegetable family as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kohlrabi, and brussels sprouts.

In Season: Late Fall-Winter. Available in grocery stores year round.

Buying: Look for bunches with deep, vibrant color that are wilt free, with thick, sturdy stems. Leaves should be free from browning, yellowing and small holes.

Storing: Fresh, unwashed kale keeps best refrigerated in a plastic bag, and should be used within a few days after purchasing.

Eating: Rinse leaves under cold running water to clean.

This month we'll be bringing you some easy and delicious kale recipes.

{Nourish is our monthly series on learning about and using amazing foods.}

4 comments:

  1. Can't wait for the recipes. I'm a big fan of kale as it is a good source of vitamin K. And usually, I make a smoothie from it. :)

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  2. I have had kale chips and I didn't love them.. I guess I need to try it again!

    Just found your blog through the HUGE giveaway! I am excited to be your newest follower. Would love for you to stop by and follow along if you'd like :)

    sjdmiller.blogspot.com

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  3. I've had kale chips to, and honestly didn't love them either, which was a bummer because I was really hoping to! But at least I've found some other kale recipes that I do love.

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  4. oh we love kale! we make baked parmesan kale chips and always put it in our green smoothies. love your cute blog and we are following..come follow along at chaseandem.blogspot.com xoxo

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