Have We Reached Peak Kale?

Before 2010, most of us had probably never heard of kale, let alone tasted it.  Now, possibly thanks to a woman named Oberon Sinclair, kale is a superfood staple.  The leafy green is everywhere – on fast food menus,  in nail polish,  even on Beyonce – leading some to claim we have reached peak kale.  Kale hysteria has reached a tipping point, and now the mere mention of its nutritional benefits is sure to be met with cries of “what about chard! What about romaine lettuce!” at least if your office is anything like ours.

But so what!?  Maybe kale isn’t the single best source of every single nutrient in the world, does that mean it does not deserve its spot in our morning smoothie?  The fact remains, kale is a nutritional powerhouse, so don’t let haters keep you from your favourite brassica!

Two cups of kale gives you more than the recommended daily value of vitamins A, C, and K  –  which is more than chard, spinach, or romaine can claim.  These vitamins are no joke – vitamin K helps keep your bones strong, and helps your blood clot.  Vitamin A helps with vision and eye health.  Vitamin C has antioxidant properties, which means it helps protect your body from free radicals.

If you’re still not convinced, consider this: kale also has more calcium per calorie than milk does, and more iron per calorie than beef does.  It is also a very good source of Vitamin B6, potassium, and manganese.

Kale has been shown to support the body’s detoxification system, and lowers the risk for five types of cancer.  It also has anti-inflammatory health benefits.

And this is just the tip of the nutritional iceberg!

Clearly kale has benefitted from some first-rate PR over the past few years, but its reputation is well-deserved.  This isn’t to say it should be the only leafy green you eat, they all have a place! Just don’t write kale off as a flash in the pan.  Although it is delicious pan-fried.

**One small caveat – kale has been called out by the EWG for having high levels of residual pesticides, so make sure you buy organic kale!**

Selected Sources:

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=38

http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2461/2

http://foodfacts.mercola.com/kale.html

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and is not to be perceived as providing medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The information provided should complement, not replace, the advice and relationship of your healthcare provider.