Super Superfood: Kale

Strengthen your immune system with one of our all time super superfoods: Kale.

Kale has lived up to its title of being a superfood and has made its way into many kitchens and menus around the world (including Beyonce) for its immune boosting properties & is used as a staple in salads, vegetable dishes, curries and stews, smoothies and so much more. There are many different types from being green or purple to having smooth or curly leaves, this incredible superfood delivers on its numerous health benefits & nutrient density. Some hail this beautiful vegetable with its frilly leaves as one of the top foods to help prevent disease because of its alkalizing effect on the body.

Image: Pinterest

WHAT MAKES KALE A SUPERFOOD?

Packed with a high amount of antioxidants, nutrients and great digestive support, the role this superfood has in delivering optimal wellness to those who eat it is undeniable.

#FreshFact kale is actually one of the world’s best sources of vitamin C. A cup of raw kale contains even more vitamin C than a whole orange. It contains 4.5 times the amount of vitamin C than spinach.

Kale has a top Aggregate Nutrient Density Index score of 1000 for its nutrient content per calorie – it contains:

• Vitamin C which is great to strengthen your immune system & keep it healthy.
• Calcium which is good for the bones.
• Vitamin A as this is important for good eye health.
• It also gives you carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin) and flavonoids which may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

The list can go on and on but after all of that you should have a good understanding as to why it’s at the top of every nutritionist’s must-eat list.

Another #FreshFact: if you’re going to be eating kale raw it helps to “massage” it a little. Kale can be a little tough so working those greens with your hands a bit takes the edge off, and renders them tender enough to eat without cooking.

Here’s how you can include this super superfood in your daily diet:

• Use kale in green juices
• Make a green smoothie using banana, water, apple, kale and lemon juice. By using it in a smoothie you get the fibre content of kale as well
• Use it in salads with some omega-filled seeds, nuts and avo
• Make your own kale chips by baking the leaves in the oven with a little drizzle of olive oil – these are delicious when served with hummus.
• Steam it until wilted and serve as your vegetable side for salmon, grilled chicken or poached eggs
• Add a bit of colour to your vegetarian falafels by adding it to the mixture before cooking

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

For a bunch of whole leaves, it is important to avoid any moisture near Kale. Wrap the bunch of kale in a layer of paper towels, and store in a supermarket plastic bag or a zip lock plastic bag in the refrigerator drawer. It should be in great shape for a week. If you have the option, choose kale with small leaves – it will be tender.

We couldn’t be any more convinced about this incredible superfood that mother nature has blessed us with. So do yourself a favour and include it in your diet as much as you can, your body will thank you for it- let’s get our kale on!

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