health benefits of kale

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Try this delicious recipe posted here.

Kale is native to either the eastern Mediterranean region or to Asia Minor.
Humans have been consuming kale for over 4,000 years. According to ayurveda, dark green leafy vegetables such as kale assist to keep the body properly hydrated. Their nutritious juices help to replenish liquid, purify and refresh the physiology and purify the subtle channels of the body known as srotas. Always ensure that the stems of kale are properly cooked as if raw they may cause abdominal discomfort. Cut the long hard stem of the kale into bite size pieces prior to cooking, the leaves are best cooked whole. Leafy green vegetables are recommended to be consumed by everyone, every day.

Energetic properties: warming, sweet and slightly bitter-pungent flavour.

Key Nutritional Values: chlorophyll, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, iron, vitamin A, C, B1, B2, B6, K, alpha-linolenic acid, beta-carotene (twice as much as spinach), carotenoids, silicon and sulfur.

Therapeutic (Medicinal) Benefits
• Eases lung congestion.
• Benefits the stomach – can be used to treat stomach and duodenal ulcers.
• Its warming energy makes it appropriate for those with who feel a sense of cold in their body.
• Like all green vegetables, it assists the liver to perform its duties.
• The high chlorophyll content of kale is purifying and reduces the spread of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms. Useful therefore in treating conditions like thrush/candida. It also enhances the growth of beneficial bacteria, may assist to inhibit viruses and help the lungs discharge residues from chemical fumes and cigarette smoke.
• Beneficial to the digestive and nervous system. (the above is from Wise Food)

Kale is king. Along with broccoli, it is one of the nutrition stand-outs among vegetables. It fights fatthrough its ability to mingle in a variety of roles — in side dishes, combined in main dishes, or in salads. For a green, kale is unusually high in fiber. This helps create the bulk you need to fill you up and to keep you full for a good amount of time. Kale is also an excellent source of nutrients, especially vitamin A andcalcium. With a combination of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, kale is a dieter’s dream food.

In addition to beta-carotene, kale posses other important carotenoids: lutein and zeaxathin. These carotenoids help keep UV rays from damaging the eyes and causing cataracts. According to recent research results, kale is an incredible source of well-absorbed calcium, which is one of the many factors that may help prevent osteoporosis. It also provides decent amounts of vitamin C, folic acid, vitamin B6, manganese, and potassium.

The manganese in kale helps your body’s own antioxidant defense system, superoxide dismutase, protecting you from damaging free radicals. Its folate and B6 team up to keep homocysteine levels down, which may help prevent heart disease, dementia, and osteoporosis bone fractures.