Lately, I have been hearing a lot about Kale.  I’ve been hearing that it is an exceptionally nutritious vegetable. To be honest, before now, I really didn’t think much about Kale.  I know that I see it at restaurants as a decoration on most salad bars.  And, much to my annoyance, restaurants sometimes serve a few leaves of it topped with a canned peach slice right alongside my meal on the dinner plate.  However, I have never actually eaten it.  But recently, I have seen a few recipes using Kale that have sparked my interest.  So, I did a little research to see what all the hype is about.  Here’s what I found out.

Kale is being recognized for its exceptional nutritional and health benefits.  Some say it is one of the healthiest vegetables available.  Its health benefits are primarily linked to its high concentration and excellent source of antioxidant vitamins A, C, and K.  It is also an excellent source of Manganese, Iron, Copper, Calcium, Fiber, Vitamins B1, B2, and B6 and phytonutrients.

Kale has anti-cancer health benefits, promotes eye-health, helps lower blood cholesterol levels and helps reduce the risk of heart disease.  It is also effective in reducing inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and asthma, and aids in keeping blood sugars under control.  Kale helps in bone development and protects against cataracts. 

As mentioned above, Kale is rich in Vitamin K which is a powerful antioxidant and works wonders in most people.  However, it can pose a problem for people taking anticoagulants because it may interfere with those types of drugs.  So, you should consult with your doctor before adding kale to your diet if you are on prescription medication.

Well, after reading all about this superstar vegetable, I went out and bought some.  I am going to try it tonight.  I saw a recipe for roasted Kale – looks like it will be a crunchy treat.  I’ll post about that tomorrow.  However, Kale can also be steamed, sautéed in a pan with spinach and collard greens, or blended into your favorite smoothie.  I think it’s worth a try – a super nutritious, natural way to make your body healthy.  Hope you found this helpful.  I did; now I know Kale is much more than a decorative vegetable used in the presentation of food.