Curly Kale
Endorsed by nutritionists all over the world because of its incredible nutritional potential! This wonderful crinkly superfood has some delicious uses as well.
TRY ME I’M GOOD IN…
Spiced kale crisps, a kale and cashew pesto, a kale and quinoa patty and soft polenta with roast squash, crisp kale and hazelnuts.
FACTS
· Kale originated in the eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor, where it was cultivated for food from 2000 BC.
· It has green or purple leaves, and the central leaves do not form a head.
· Kale is considered to be closer to wild cabbage than most of the many domesticated forms of brassicas.
· Genus: Brassica species Brassica oleracea Family: Brassicaceae
WHY IS IT SO GOOD?
Nutritional highlights – Kale can provide:
Vitamin A (100g = 308% RDA) - Helps in growth and keeps the skin healthy and promotes regular development of skeletal tissue and teeth, and certain tissues like those in the retina.
Vitamin C (100g = 200% RDA) - A powerful antioxidant, aids in immunity and in healing wounds, repairing tissues (like collagen) and helps in the absorption of iron, especially veggie.
Vitamin K (100g = 1021% RDA) - It helps to produce prothrombin (blood clotting factor) and has a potential role in bone health, and may help limit neuronal damage in the brain, by helping to regulate calcium.
Manganese (100g = 34% RDA) - a part of the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase, which is arguably one of the most important endogenous antioxidants in our body.
Calcium (100g = 14% RDA) - your body needs calcium to build and maintain strong bones and your heart, muscles and nerves also need calcium to function properly.
Main health benefits
Packed with phytochemicals - that are effective immune modulator, anti-bacterial and anti-viral agents, and those with powerful anti-inflammatory effects.
Helpful in blood clotting - vitamin K is critical for blood clotting by “activating” certain proteins and giving them the ability to bind calcium.
May help to improve eye health - it is also a very rich source of ß-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin - important dietary carotenoids that are beneficial for eye health.
May help to lower cholesterol - kale contains bile acid sequestrants – helping to produce bile, which can lower cholesterol levels leading to a reduced risk of heart disease.