In a fast paced society like ours in North America, it's critical to obtain the proper nutrition to keep us going and healthy. With this goal in mind, having knowledge of some great foods that are high in vitamins and minerals, and are very cost effective. Having said that, let me introduce you to Kale - a great superfood that many are not aware of, and many more that know of it, don't know how to cook with it.
Kale is a super nutritious dark green and leafy vegetable belonging to the same family as brussel sprouts, broccoli, collard greens and cabbage. When eaten raw it has a slightly bitter flavor but with a light sauté or a quick steam, the flavor is definitely milder. Kale is considered a super food as it contains many (10-15) of the nutrients and vitamins that we need, often in very high amounts.
Super Food
Kale contains high amounts of beta carotene, Vitamin C, folic acid, Vitamin A, Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium, and many others. The presence of calcium and magnesium helps build and maintain strong bones and should be a staple for those suffering from osteoporosis. Kale is also very high in fiber and improves your digestive health system as well as protecting from colon cancer. Kale is also high in potassium which helps reduce blood pressure, help fight heart disease, and as it is an alkaline food, it helps those who have digestive disorders such as acidity. The beta carotene helps protect the eyes against sun damage and cataracts as well as plays an important role in cell development.
When Kale is consumed, it triggers enzymes in the liver to produce enzymes that help fight the bad cells in your body. Bad cells are often cancer causing agents. Kale also contains phyto-chemicals that tells the liver to lower the secretion of the chemical that transports bad cholesterol (LDL) to blood vessels. This can significantly reduce the risk of heart diseases such as a heart attack or stroke. In terms of weight loss, kale can be great in helping combat stubborn belly fat when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
Recently, I've started cooking with kale. My first recipe was a vegetarian pasta dish. It was really good, and I wish I book marked the recipe, but I cannot find it any longer. Once I exposed kale to my family members, my mother-in-law thought that, with it's mild taste, it could be a great addition to saag. And she was right! If you have ever had saag (an Indian dish that is usually made with spinach, onions, rapini, and has paneer added to it), you know it's a delicious and healthy dish. Try making it yourself and adding kale to the mix!
Kale: A Superfood
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