Kale or Borecole is a leafy vegetable belonging to the same group of vegetables as that of cabbage. It is similar to cabbage except that the leaves open up instead of forming a head. It is more akin to the wild cabbage than the normal variety. As with cabbage, collard greens, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, it also belongs to the species Brassica Oleracea family.
Health Benefits of Kale
It is considered to be one of the most nutritious vegetable on earth with extremely powerful antioxidant properties. The benefits of this leafy green are discussed below
- It is low in fat and has no cholesterol. One cup of kale has 36 calories and zero grams of fat. It can be very well incorporated in a weight loss diet regime. It is extremely filling. One cup contains 20 grams of dietary fiber which improves digestion,prevents constipation by adding roughage, lowers blood sugar and reduces cravings.
- It contains phytochemicals like sulforaphane and indole -3-carbinol that protects against prostrate and colon cancers.
- It contains glucosinalate isothiocyanate (ITC). This compound fights against the deadly bacteria Helicobacter Pylori which can destroy the stomach lining and cause gastric cancer.
- The high sulfur content in it helps to remove toxins from the body.
- Kale contains the powerful antioxidants, carotenoids and flavonoids that gets rid of the free radicals and prevents the oxidation of tissues. This characteristic is what makes this super green anti aging in nature. Among a host of other flavonoids present in it, kaempferol and quercitin can prevent the cancerous mutations in cells.
- One cup of borecole provides about 10% of the daily recommended dose of omega 3 fatty acids which reduces arterial inflammation and promotes heart health.
- Abundant amounts of Vitamin C in it, not only prevents cellular oxidation but also reduces blood pressure, promotes immunity and fights against degenerative diseases.One cup of it has about 88% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C.
- One cup of borecole has about 192 % of the daily recommended amount of Vitamin A. This vitamin promotes bone health, boosts immunity and is essential for the reproductive organs.
- One cup of borecole provides 1327% of the daily recommended amount of Vitamin K. This vitamin is essential for the synthesis of a protein osteocalcin which is essential for bone and joint health. Vitamin K helps in clearing up arterial plaque and reduce the risks of atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke.
- Kale is a super food and as little as a cup of it in everyday diet can make a huge difference nutrition wise.
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