Food For Thought: Kale

Kale is thought to be one of the first cultivated brassicas. Like broccoli, cauliflower and collards, Kale is a descendent of the wild cabbage Colewort, a plant thought to have its origins in Asia Minor. Celtic wanderers were said to have brought it to Europe around 600 B.C. Today this wild ancestor, Colewart, still grows along the coast of Western Europe.

There are several varieties of Kale, each with a different taste, texture and appearance.

Curly Kale: has crimped, curly leaves and is the most commonly available Kale. It has a deep green color and a strong pungent flavor with peppery undertones.

Purple or Silver Kale: this variety is used mostly as an ornament and is grown almost exclusively for display in gardens or as a salad display. Purple and silver kale has a more tender texture and mellower flavor.

Dinosaur Kale: is of the variety known as Lacinato. It has dark blue-green leaves is slightly sweet with a more delicate taste.

No matter which one you use for eating, they all are known for their rich nutrient content.

Kales benefits include:

• Cardiovascular health
• Contain organosulfur phytonutrients that help prevent cancer
• Optimizes our cells ability to detoxify
• Optimizes our bodies cleansing ability
• Lowers our risk of developing cataracts
• Promotes lung health
• Protects and supports the immune system
• Protects against rheumatoid arthritis
• It provides 27% of our daily need for manganese, (which helps produce energy from protein and carbohydrates, is involved in the synthesis of EFA’s for a healthy nervous system and is critical in helping the antioxidant enzyme – superoxide dismutase (SOD) which is found exclusively inside the body’s mitochondria (the energy factories inside our cells) which provides protection from the free radicals produced during energy production.
• Slows the loss of mental function
• Is loaded with calcium, Vit. E, Vit. C,Vit. A, Vit. K, folate, B vitamins, calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, magnesium, selenium, fiber, manganese, quercetin and many other s.
• Has an amazing amino acid score of 92 out of 100.
• Is a strong anti-inflammatory. Has a IF rating of 257.
• Has a glycemic load of 3.
• Is nutrient-dense indicating that it is more filling or satisfying per calories therefore great for weigh loss.

Each whole raw/vegan food has so many benefits for our bodies. I look forward to sharing more with you on the history, benefits and nutrition profiles of these foods in the coming weeks and months.

P.S. You’ll find much more extended information on the foods from the plant kingdom in the upcoming book ‘Healthy Kids In A Toxic World.’ Not to worry ladies I’ll keep you all posted.

Until next time get RAWKING with some Kale!

Monique