For the past decade or so, the whole health-conscious world seems to have erupted into a chorus of “oh kale yeah.”
Nutritionists and dietitians are sometimes divided on foods — at least there is room for debate as to whether a certain brave munchy is actually as healthy as the trends would like it to be. But when it comes to kale, the experts are bound. This superfood is full of health benefits, and the disadvantages are almost negligible – a couple of years ago there was some concern for people with overactive thyroid glands who overconsumed the green, but no major health warnings ever came from it.
With a lot of hype and virtually no downsides, you do not need to be an expert to know that kale is not even good for you – it’s good. Veggie is known for its positive effects on both overall health and weight control. As avid kale fanatics, however, we became curious: what does this slightly bitter leafy green do to our bodies, beyond the obvious? Read on for five lesser known ways that kale helps you, and for even more tips, be sure to check out our list of the 7 healthiest foods to eat right now.
Kale can help you have a better hair day.
Oranges get all the credit for vitamin C, but it turns out that kale actually also gives a powerful punch. In fact, a single cup of raw cabbage contains more vitamin C than a whole orange, as well as over 100% of daily dose recommended by some experts.
Using vitamin A, which kale also contains in abundance, the green leaf may well have the power to transform your hair. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron, which in turn encourages hair growth, while contributing to collagen, which helps with hair structure, according to the newspaper Dermatology and therapy. So, if you want to improve your make, kale can be a good go-to.
Along with kale, here are the 26 best foods for hair growth, according to experts.
Kale can help you fight the cold.
In recent years, we have all become aware of the important benefits that vitamin C can provide: namely, that it is vitamin number one that is attributed to the support of the immune system.
Unsurprisingly, because kale is so dense with vitamin C, the superfood salad base is quite high among foods that help ward off disease. Some research have found that vitamin C can even help prevent and treat cancer.
Kale can help your eyesight.
When it comes to keeping your binoculars in good shape, kale can be the unsung hero.
The vegetable contains a large amount of lutein and zeaxanthin, which protects your eyes by protecting them from damage from blue light, reduces the risk of cataracts and, according to some studies, even improves visual acuity, according to Nutrients. Also, not to mention the benefits of your eye health by consuming vitamin A.
Kale can reduce blood clots.
The value of kale propaganda in the last decade is not unfounded: the leafy green is completely full of nutrients. In addition to vitamin C, lutein and zeaxanthin, kale also contains a large amount of the very apt name vitamin K.
Vitamin K is a crucial part of the process which allows proteins in the body to bind calcium and therefore prevent blood clots. The same benefit can also lead to a reduced risk of heart disease. Basically, for a healthy heart and a pure blood circulation, enjoy kale.
Kale improves bone health.
However, the power of vitamin K does not end up in the blood. The nutrient has also been linked to healthy strong bones – studies have found that those who are deficient in vitamin K are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis and experiencing bone fractures, according to Journal of Food Quality. With 499 micrograms of vitamin K in a single cup, a little kale can go a long way in building healthier bones.
Get even more healthy tips straight to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter! Then read the following:
- Secret side effects of eating leafy greens, science says
- What happens to your body when you eat kale
- 15+ best healthy kale recipes for weight loss
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