Okay, so we may be a little late to the party when it comes to talking about kale. Still, there seems to be no sign of this curly green vegetable disappearing from the spotlight any time soon. Perhaps you’re one to be resistant to anything trendy and roll your eyes when you hear your friends rave about kale. Or perhaps you tried kale once and decided it wasn’t for you. Whatever your reasoning may be for resisting hopping on the kale train, the many ways that it can boost your health and performance at the gym may just sway your mind.
What is Kale?
Fun fact, Pizza Hut actually used to be the single largest purchaser of kale before 2013. Before kale become the star of most salad bars, it was often used as a garnish on many salad bars. Now, this type of kale, often known as curly kale, is recognized for the superfood that it is. There are several varieties of kale that have become popular as well, including Tuscan kale and red kale. Each variety of kale is considered a nutrient-dense green, leafy vegetable.
What Makes Kale a Superfood?
Kale is a nutritional powerhouse in a number of ways, with high amounts of vitamins and minerals. Kale actually has more iron per serving than a serving of beef, which is rare for plant-based food. Kale is rich in fiber, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. Kale is also low in oxalate, which means that the nutrients in kale are more easily absorbed into the body than with other foods. Kale also contains a lot of potassium, calcium, and magnesium compared to many other vegetables. Kale is also a particularly good source of antioxidants, which offer anti-inflammatory benefits.
Overall, kale is noted for the fact that you gain tons of nutritional benefits from eating a small amount compared to other vegetables. The rich nutrition provided from kale contributes to better heart health, clearer and smoother skin, better digestion, improved bone health, and a lower risk for diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
Ways to Eat Kale
Kale is a remarkably versatile food. You steam or saute kale as a side dish, bake it into tasty chips, or use it as the base of a delicious salad. Given the fact that kale is so beneficial for your body, it would be a good idea to try to integrate it into your diet even if you’re still not a fan. One simple way is to include blended kale into your nutritional drinks you use in your Helimix shaker cup or your protein shakes. You don’t need to use that much to enhance your shake’s nutritional value and the effect on the taste will be minimal.
It’s not too late to jump on the kale craze. Including this leafy green superfood into your diet is a great way to empower your body and to experience new success with your workouts.
