Happy Kale Day – Yes, Really!
- Published: Friday, August 21st 2020
- in Nutrition
October 7, 2020 is when we celebrate all things kale! Whether it’s a chip, a salad, or a smoothie, we’re here to shout hurray for kale. Rumor has it that in a time before kale was king (its rise began in 2007), Pizza Hut was the largest consumer of kale. No, they didn’t sneak it into their pizza, they used it to decorate their salad bars.[1] But we soon realized that kale didn’t deserve to be pushed off into the sideline; instead it deserved its own healthy, nutritious spotlight. Here are a few reasons why we should all celebrate kale on this new cabbage high holiday (yes, it is technically a cabbage).[2]
Kale is Nutrient-Dense
Kale is packed full of all those wonderful nutrients your body needs and loves. In a single cup of raw kale (we’re talking about the curly kale type, which is the most popular), you are looking at a full serving (and beyond) of vitamin A, K, and C. In addition, kale packs a healthy dose of vitamin B6, Manganese, Calcium, Copper, Potassium, and Magnesium. Also, while it’s low in fat in general, it’s chock full of an omega-3 fatty acid called alpha linolenic-acid aka a healthy fat. Kale, because it’s high in nutrients and low in calories, makes it the most nutrient-dense food on the planet – move aside apples, a serving of kale is what really keeps the doctor away.
Kale Lowers the Risk of Heart Disease
Kale is super nutrient dense but it also can help you reduce the risk of heart disease – yes, please! Kale contains bile acid sequestrants, which can lower cholesterol levels, which in turn lowers your risk of heart disease. Considering that 50% of men and 38% of women over the age of 50 are on cholesterol reducing medication[3], a little kale in our diets might go a long way towards wellness.
Kale Also Can Help Fight Cancer
If that wasn’t enough for this super food, then check out its cancer-fighting properties. Kale contains sulforaphane, a substance that has been shown to help fight the formation of cancer at the molecular level. And it also boasts an indole-3-carbinol, another substance that is believed to help prevent cancer. Sign us up for a kale salad, right away please – it might be the ticket to a long and healthy life and more wellbeing.
This October 7, celebrate kale – a super food, who deserves our love and attention for a day and more. And then keep kale in your diet on the regular. Your body will happily thank you for its next kale treat.
We found Miraval’s yummy recipe for a black kale salad in the Spafinder archives. Enjoy!
[1] https://www.npr.org/transcripts/393823329
[2] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-kale#section5
[3] https://www.acsh.org/news/2018/07/18/are-doctors-overprescribing-statins-13208
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