This superfood has been getting lots of attention in recent years due to kales amazing health benefits (…I mean just look at the nutrition facts!!). Not only is kale high in vitamins, minerals and fibre but it is also a great source for antioxidants. Antioxidants help keep skin looking young by neutralizing free radicals.
Free radicals// Free radicals are produced in the body (exposure to sun, exercise, damage to cell). Too many free radicals cause oxidative damage to healthy tissues and induces aging. For those who enjoy chemistry: Free radicals are an unpaired electron in orbit around the nucleus of an atom. In order to regain balance, antioxidants are able to neutralize free radicals and protect the cell from oxidation.
Kale is a great vegetable that can be incorporated into your meals daily to help your body’s natural detoxification process.
Types of Kale
Kale is a leafy vegetable that can have green or purple leaves. There are two main types of kale: curly kale (shown in photo) and dinosaur kale. Dinosaur kale is a dark green colour that is long and firm. This type of kale is perfect to use in place of a tortilla in wraps.
Curly kale is great to use in salads. To de-steam the kale leaves: grab the end of the steam and run your hand down the rest of the steam removing the kale leaves. Chiffonade kale into small pieces and place in strainer. Run water over the kale and begin massaging the kale to soften the leaves. You can also do this with lemon juice.
Main Nutrients// Based on 1 cup of kale
—–>Provides approximately 33 calories
—–>Dietary Fibre// 2g
—–>Protein// 2g
—–>Vitamin A// 200% DV
—–>Vitamin K// 600% DV
—–>Vitamin C// 135% DV
—–>Iron// 6% DV
—–>Calcium// 9% DV
Also contains many other vitamins & minerals.
How to select// Choose kale that is a vibrant green colour (or dark green for dino kale), with a firm texture. Avoid the leaves that look yellow.
How to store// Store kale in refrigerator, usually good for up to 1 week
How to eat// salads, juices, smoothies, use dino kale as a wrap, kale chips, steam kale, soups
Kale Recipes
Kale Salad with “sweet onion” dressing (show in photo above)
Kale Quinoa Salad
Summer Kale Salad
Green Smoothie for Glowing Skin
The Ultimate Green Smoothie
Learn how to incorporate more greens into your meals here.
What’s your favorite way to eat kale?
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