Kale: The Queen of Greens

What you need to know about the super-nutritious veggie

Kale is a leafy, nutritious, green vegetable that is part of the cabbage family. It is considered as one of the most healthy plant foods on the planet. Kale has been gaining popularity because of its vitamin, antioxidant and mineral content.

Here are four benefits of eating kale:

Immune System
Kale’s amazing amount of vitamins enhances the immune system and fights off invading viruses and bacteria. It is full of antioxidants that support the production of white blood cells. Additionally, the hearty green vegetable protects the enzymes that repair DNA damage, helping your body heal itself.

Bone health
Not only does kale contain an important source of nutrients, it also contains more calcium than milk. It is considered to be among the many fruits and vegetables that hold high levels of vitamins that can enhance and protect your skeleton. Leafy green vegetables are the best dietary sources of calcium.

Nutrients
Kale is a nutrition powerhouse, packed with vitamins C, A, and K and minerals such as magnesium, a substance that if you are deficient in can lead to headaches, muscle cramps, and fatigue. Many athletes substitute tortilla chips with kale chips because they are lower in calories and full with nutrients.

Detoxification
One of the great benefits of kale is that it is a natural detoxifier. This super food is filled with components as fiber and sulfur; both of them are excellent for removing toxins from your body. Detoxifying eliminates toxins out from your organism and keeps you feeling more active and energetic.

Fast fact
There are several varieties of kale; these include curly kale, ornamental kale, and dinosaur, all of which differ in texture and appearance.

Kale juice
Ingredients
Two apples
Two carrots
Lemon
Blend and drink after training

Key to rehydrate after training
According to a study at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture in Nigeria, kale is one of the most nutrient dense and healthiest vegetables, and must be included by athletes in their eating plan, since it promotes electrolyte replacement after physical effort. It contains high levels of iron, it is rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium and zinc, and additionally it has high protein content, low contribution of carbohydrates and around 3% fiber.