Kale, kale, kale. That’s all we ever see and hear when we open up a health magazine or watch an episode of Dr. Oz on TV. It is the current superfood craze that is sweeping the nation and growing in mass popularity. This green, leafy, and extremely bitter vegetable can be hard to appreciate, but the nutritional value far outweighs its somewhat off-putting flavor. Many think that our countries obsession with kale is just some “hippy fad,” but it’s not. Kale is here to stay and is becoming the most talked about food around.
Now, you’re probably thinking that I’m some girl who drives around in a VW bug with “World Peace” bumper stickers pasted all over my car, and is obsessed with saving the whales and playing with kittens, but alas that is not me. Yes, my license plate is KALECHP – crazy, I know, but it is not just the fad of kale that strikes my attention, it is the overall awesomeness of the leafy green itself. There’s green kale, purple kale, baby kale, and countless other versions with differing tastes. It’s so versatile that you can juice it, throw it in a smoothie, roast it in the oven, sautee it with garlic and olive oil, or just eat it raw. It is packed with nutrients and helps maintain your overall health.
The health benefits of eating one cup of Kale a day are extraordinary. Researchers have found that in that single cup is about 134 percent of your recommended daily Vitamin C intake. That is 21 percent more than an orange. Kale is also rich in Calcium, Omega – 3 fatty acids, Iron, Vitamin A & K, and powerful antioxidants like carotenoids and flavenoids, all of which can help maintain strong bones, promote brain health, lessen inflammation, support the immune system, and protect against various cancers. With so many added benefits, who would want to pass up this incredible superfood?
While its bitterness can throw even the most adventurous eaters off, there are many ways to make this superfood tasty, allowing for easy implementation into ones’ daily diet.
How delicious do these look?! With so many hearty and mouth-watering recipes it is difficult for even the biggest picky-eater to say no to kale. Next time you reach for a bag of greasy potato chips, think twice. Throw out those preconcieved hippy notions and grab hold of some homemade kale chips, because the reality is, we all need to eat more kale.
Happy Tasting!
http://wundawomanwellness.com/smug-salad-a-k-a-quinoa-kale-chopped-salad/
http://www.feastingathome.com/2013/02/kale-chickpea-and-chicken-soup-with.html
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2013/06/panfried-kale/
http://ohmyveggies.com/recipe-sweet-potato-pizza-with-kale-and-caramelized-onions/
http://www.beardandbonnet.com/how-to-make-crispy-kale-chips-gluten-free-and-vegan/