kale health benefits eating helathy diet green vegetables

Kale is considered the king of healthy greens. This leafy vegetable is among the healthiest and most nutritious dense foods in existence placing it in the class of a ‘superfood’

This super green leaf is loaded with all sorts of beneficial compounds. Here are 7 science supported benefits:

1. Extremely Low in Calories: A single cup of kale contains only 33 calories, 6 grams of carbs, and 3 grams of protein!

Kale also contains very little fat, but a large portion of the fat is in form of a healthy omega-3 fatty acid called alpha linolenic acid.

2. King of Anti-Oxidants: Kale is rich in anti-oxidants. Antioxidants are substances that help counteract oxidative damage by free radicals in the body.

This allows kale to be cardio-protective, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, anti-depression issues, and fight cancer!

3. Lowers Cholesterol and the Risk of Heart Disease: Cholesterol plays an important role in the body’s ability to make bile acids, which are substances that help us digest fats.

Kale contains bile acid sequestrants, which lowers cholesterol levels and leads to a reduced risk of heart disease over time.

4. Best Sources of Vitamin K: Vitamin K is an important nutrient. It is absolutely critical for blood clotting because of “activating” certain proteins that bind calcium.

Kale is one of the world’s best sources of vitamin K, with a single raw cup containing almost 7 times the recommended daily amount.

5. Powerful Cancer Fighter: Kale is heavily loaded with compounds that fight against cancer.

It is rich in sulforaphane, a substance that science has been shown to help fight the formation of cancer at the molecular level.

6. Excellent Source of Minerals:  A single cup of raw kale Vitamin A (from beta-carotene), Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Manganese, Calcium, Copper, Potassium, Magnesium etc.

Kale is an excellent source of magnesium and potassium. Magnesium is effective against type 2-diabetes and heart disease while potassium reduces blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease as well.

7. Rich in Lutein and Zeaxanthin: Lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoid antioxidants that are found in large amounts in kale.

These two nutrients protect the body from oxidative stress! If you have not made kale a part of your diet yet, get started now!

For a great healthy kale chip recipe on our blog click here! And to learn more about surgical weight loss options call BeLiteWeight today!

 

Sources:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270435.php

https://authoritynutrition.com/10-proven-benefits-of-kale/

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=38