Why Kale Is Good for You: 5 Health Benefits

Nowadays you see kale everywhere. It seems like everyone is drinking kale smoothies, eating kale chips and incorporating kale into salads. If you have any interest in your health, you might already know that kale is great for you. However, you may not know exactly why.

In this article you will find out more about this nutrient-packed superfood so that you can understand the hype – check out the health benefits of kale!

Kale is packed with nutrients

Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, meaning it packs a powerful nutritional punch per typical serving. One cup of kale provides more than 100% of the daily minimum target for immune-supporting vitamin C and over 200% for vitamin A.

The latter nutrient also supports immunity, as well as skin and brain health. Additionally, kale contains smaller amounts of key minerals, including potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, copper, and phosphorus. It also supplies energy-supporting B vitamins and some plant-based omega-3 fatty acids and plant protein.

Kale promotes bone health

Kale is a top source of vitamin K, with one cup packing nearly 700% of the daily goal. In addition to helping blood to clot, this key nutrient protects bones. Vitamin K is required for bone formation, and several studies have shown that a shortfall is linked to increased fracture risk and osteoporosis.

It keeps inflammation at bay

Kale is a potent source of antioxidants known to reduce inflammation, a trigger of premature aging and disease. Antioxidants also counter oxidative stress, which occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of cell-damaging free radicals and the body’s ability to counter their harmful effects. For these reasons, kale is thought to be one of the top disease-fighting foods.

Kale protects the heart

Kale has been shown to reduce cholesterol by increasing its excretion and preventing cholesterol from being reabsorbed from the digestive tract into the bloodstream.

In one study in men with high cholesterol, the consumption of kale juice daily for 12 weeks increased “good” HDL cholesterol by nearly 30% and decreased “bad” LDL by 10%, while improving antioxidant status. Kale also helps fend off damage to artery walls, especially within the bends and curves most vulnerable to inflammation and hardened plaque buildup.

It may help reduce cancer risk

As a member of the cruciferous vegetable family (which also includes broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, and cabbage), kale contains natural compounds shown to help fend off cancer. This includes the ability to protect cells from DNA damage and mutations, inactivate cancer-causing compounds, slow cancer growth and spread, and even trigger cancer cell death.

Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp
Pinterest
Reddit
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

READ NEXT

These Are the Worst Hereditary Conditions

We inherit a lot of who we are from our parents and extended family, some good and some bad. Unfortunately, in some cases, serious and potentially debilitating diseases are passed

6 Simple Workouts: How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep

First, exercising in general significantly improves your health, according to the National Sleep Foundation. In a 2011 study from the Journal of Sleep Research, participants slept just as soundly on

8 Signs You Might Need an Eye Exam Immediately

According to the report for the 2016 National Health Interview Survey, 25.5 million Adult Americans 18 and older reported experiencing vision loss. No one wants to experience vision loss, so

7 Eating Habits That Raise Your Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that’s found in your blood. Your body needs it in order to make hormones, vitamin D, and certain substances that help you digest foods. However,

5 Surprising Causes of Snoring

Snoring affects 90 million Americans and the majority of these people “are unaware of why they snore or what snoring could indicate about their overall health,” according to Jagdeep Bijwadia,

7 Simple Home Remedies for Arthritis

Capsaicin Capsaicin is the substance that gives chili peppers their spicy heat. It works by depleting a neurotransmitter called Substance P. This protein transmits pain signals from nerve endings to

6 Super Foods That Lower Cholesterol Naturally

When you’re looking to change your cholesterol stats, foods that lower cholesterol can play a vital role. To start, add foods that are known to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol or

10 Everyday Habits That Cause Wrinkles

Forgetting to slather on SPF is perhaps the biggest sin we commit against our skin, but these seemingly innocent moves can also sabotage even the healthiest complexions – check them

Clear Signs You’re Having an Allergic Reaction

As you know, your immune system guards your body against harmful bacteria and viruses. In certain cases, your immune system will also defend against substances that normally don’t pose a

Scroll to Top