What makes kale a superfood

Latest Blog Post ». Latest Video ». Focus Topics. A frequently overlooked "waste product" of metabolism, uric acid actually threatens our health.

The LUV Diet David Perlmutter Meet Dr. The Latest. Our experts have some guesses about what could dethrone the cruciferous kale king in , from amaranth—a gluten-free grain with a complete protein profile—to watercress, a green that combats DNA damage. What does the founder of National Kale Day say? People predicting collards, cauliflower, and Goji berries need to up their game—I suggest they try eating more kale.

Write to Mandy Oaklander at mandy. By Mandy Oaklander. The edges of the leaves are either flat or curly. Discover our full range of health benefit guides and check out some of our favourite healthy kale recipes, including kale and quinoa patties and spiced kale crisps.

Kale contains four times the vitamin C content and twice the selenium content of spinach, as well as nutrients like vitamin E and beta-carotene. These are all important for supporting a healthy immune system. Kale contains many of the minerals our modern diets lack. Kale is also a good source of vitamin K , which studies suggest works with vitamin D to support healthy bone metabolism.

Kale contains a number of nutrients that support heart health, including potassium, which maintains a healthy blood pressure. Another benefit of kale is that it contains substances that bind to cholesterol to help manage levels.

Studies suggest that even if you juice or steam kale, you will still benefit from these advantages. As well as being nutrient-dense, kale is rich in cancer-protective substances such as sulforaphane and indolcarbonol.

Studies are promising, but there is still more for us to learn. Kale is rich in two phytonutrients, lutein and zeaxanthin, that support the health of our eyes and vision. Consuming sufficient quantities of these nutrients lowers the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

As kale is a rich source of vitamin K, those on anti-coagulant medication commonly referred to as blood thinners need to consider the amount they eat. Typically the advice while on this medication is that you should aim to keep your dietary intake approximately the same.