The Secret Effects of Eating Kale
In the last decade or so, it seems as if the entire
health-conscious world has erupted on a chorus of, "oh kale yeah."
Nutritionists and dietitians are sometimes split on foods—at
very least, there's room for debate about whether any given in-vogue munchy is
actually as healthy as the trends want to believe it is. But when it comes to
kale, experts are untied. This superfood is brimming with health benefits, and
the drawbacks are almost negligible — a couple of years ago there was some
concern about people with overactive thyroids over-consuming the leafy green,
but no major health warnings ever came from it.
With a lot of hype and virtually no downsides, you don't
have to be an expert to know that kale is not even just good for you—it's
great. The veggie is famous for its positive effects both on overall health and
weight management. As avid kale fanatics, though, we got curious: what else is
this slightly bitter leafy green doing for our bodies, beyond the obvious? Read
on for five lesser-known ways kale is helping you out, and for even more tips,
be sure to check out our list of the 100 Unhealthiest Foods on the Planet.
1. Kale can help you have a better hair day.
Oranges get all the credit for vitamin C, but it turns out,
kale actually packs a powerful punch too. In fact, a single cup of raw kale
contains more vitamin C than an entire orange, as well as over 100% of the
daily dosage recommended by some experts.
With the help of vitamin A, which kale also contains in
droves, the leafy green may very well have the power to transform your hair.
Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron, which in turn encourages hair growth,
while also contributing to collagen, which helps with hair structure, according
to the journal Dermatology and Therapy. So, if you're looking to improve your
'do, kale could be a great go-to.
2. Kale can help you fight off the common cold.
In the last couple of years, we've all become aware of the
crucial benefits vitamin C can provide: namely, it is the number one vitamin
credited with immune system support.
Unsurprisingly, because kale is so dense with vitamin C, the
superfood salad base ranks pretty high among foods that help with warding off
disease. Some research has found that vitamin C can even help prevent and treat
cancer.
3. Kale can help your eyesight.
When it comes to keeping your peepers in good shape, kale
could be the unsung hero.
The vegetable contains a high amount of lutein and
zeaxanthin, which protect your eyes by shielding them from damage by blue
light, reducing the risk of cataracts, and, some studies show, even improve
visual acuity, according to Nutrients. Plus, not to mention the benefits your
eye health get from consuming vitamin A.
4. Kale can reduce blood clotting.
The last decade's worth of kale propaganda is not unfounded:
the leafy green is absolutely packed with nutrients. Beyond vitamin C, lutein,
and zeaxanthin, kale also contains a high amount of the very fittingly named
vitamin K.
Vitamin K is a crucial part of the process that allows
proteins in your body to bind calcium and therefore prevent blood clots. This
same benefit could lead to a reduced risk of heart disease, as well. Basically,
for a healthy heart and a clean bloodstream, indulge in kale.
5. Kale improves bone health.
The power of vitamin K does not end in your bloodstream,
though. The nutrient has also been linked to healthy strong bones—studies have
found that those who are deficient in vitamin K are at a higher risk of
developing osteoporosis and experiencing bone breakage, according to the
Journal of Food Quality. With 499 micrograms of vitamin K in a single cup, a
little bit of kale could go a long way in building healthier bones.
