Natural Cook Studio of Bend

School is back in session and I give Kale an A+. Kale is the Grandmother of the whole cabbage family. One would expect such an old timer to be hardy, and indeed kale is. Her nutritional profile is exceptional and lengthy with over 80 different nutrients. The leaves of the kale plant provide an earthy flavor and more nutritional value for fewer calories than almost any other food around. Kale is easy to grow and becomes sweeter after a touch of frost. Her popularity isn’t what it deserves to be…yet.

Kale is a warming and overall strengthening vegetable.  It is an exceptional source of chlorophyll, calcium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin C and manganese. Now, new research is revealing that phytonutrients in crucifers, such as kale, work at a much deeper level. These sulfur compounds actually signal our genes to increase production of enzymes involved in detoxification, the cleansing process through which our bodies eliminate harmful compounds.

The quantities of studies on kale and its’ constituents are extremely lengthy so to give this plant its’ due respect to all of it’s health benefits I found the bullet listing necessary.

* Help prevent a wide variety of cancers including bladder, colon, breast, ovarian, prostate and lung cancers.
* Optimize cells’ detoxification / cleansing ability
* Lower cataract risk
* Prevent damage to the eyes from excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays
* Promote lung health
* Immune support
* Reduce severity of inflammatory conditions, such as asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis
* Help to prevent atherosclerosis
* Assist with a healthy immune system
* Promote energy production
* Keep blood sugar levels under control
* Promote bone health
* Slow loss of mental function
* Offer significant cardiovascular benefits

Try substituting kale for cabbage whenever you want a bright green color and additional chlorophyll.

Cautions:  Kale contains a measurable amount of oxalate’s.  Individuals with already existing and untreated kidney or gallbladder problems may want to avoid eating kale.

In Health,

Lisa