Is Kale Good for you? | Top 5 Health Benefits of Kale

Kale is a cruciferous vegetable, part of the family of broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. Kale is one of the most nutritious vegetables. It is low in calories but high in vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin K as well as minerals like calcium, potassium and iron. Kale comes in a variety of colors, such as green, purple, and Kale can be enjoyed raw or cooked, and is an easy and delicious way to add more nutrients to your diet. Let us look at the top 5 health benefits of eating kale. At Number 1. Protects Against Heart Disease. Kale is rich in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that help protect against heart disease. Kale contains high levels of a compound called camphorol, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Kale may help lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and improve blood pressure. Studies have shown that consuming kale for six weeks can lead to a significant reduction in blood pressure, as well as improvements in cholesterol levels and blood vessel function. At Number 2. Reduces the Risk of Cancer. Some studies have shown that kale contains antioxidants that have anti-carcinogenic properties. In particular, kale is high in compounds called glucosinolates, which may help prevent certain types of cancer, such as colon, breast and lung cancer. At Number 3. Helps Manage Diabetes. Kale is low in calories and carbohydrates and high in fiber, which may make it a good option for people with diabetes. Studies have shown that eating kale for 12 weeks can improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism in overweight and obese adults. At Number 4. Improves Eye Health. Kale is a good source of vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining healthy vision. Vitamin A is a component of rhodopsin, a protein in the retina that helps the eye see in low-light conditions. Kale is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that are important for protecting the eyes from damage caused by blue light and ultraviolet radiation. These compounds may help protect against age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Kale contains beta carotene, an antioxidant that converts to vitamin A in the body. Beta carotene is important for maintaining the health of the cornea, the clear outer covering of the eye. At Number 5. Improves Bone Health. Kale is a good source of calcium, an important mineral for bone health. Kale is a good source of vitamin K, which plays an important role in bone health by regulating bone mineralization. Vitamin K helps activate osteocalcin, a protein that is essential for bone formation. Vitamin K helps regulate calcium absorption and may help prevent osteoporosis. Kale has an alkalizing effect on the body, which may help reduce the risk of bone loss. When the body is too acidic, it can leach calcium from the bones to neutralize the acid. Eating alkaline foods like kale can help maintain a healthy pH balance in the body. Kale contains compounds called oxalates, which can interfere with calcium absorption and may contribute to the formation of kidney stones in some people. So, be careful about consuming large amount of kale in your diet. For related articles and updates, look at the description below. We hope you found this video useful. Please like and subscribe to keep connected. Thank you!