The Health Benefits of Kale

When you mention kale, the majority will look up withsulforaphane, helps boost the body's detoxification
raised eyebrows and mumble "What"? "What's that"?enzymes, possibly by altering gene expression. This is
An old, hardly spoken of and powerful green food.turn is purported to help clear carcinogenic substances
Kale is a leafy green vegetable with a mild earthyin a timely manner. Sulforaphane is formed when
flavor. The season for kale is between mid winter andcruciferous vegetables like kale are chopped or
early spring where it can be found in abundance inchewed. This somehow triggers the liver to produce
most produce sections of the local grocery store.enzymes that detoxify cancer causing chemicals, of
However, one can find kale year round. Thankfully, kalewhich we all are exposed on daily basis. A recently
is starting to garner well deserved attention due itsnew study in the Journal of Nutrition (2004)
nutrient rich phytochemical content which providesdemonstrates that sulforaphane helps stop breast
unparalleled health promoting benefits.cancer cell proliferation.
Kale absolutely rich and abundant in calcium, lutein, iron,Kale descends from the wild cabbage which originated
and Vitamins A, C, and K. Kale has seven times thein Asia and is thought to have been brought to Europe
beta-carotene of broccoli and ten times more lutein.by the Celtics. Kale was an important food item in
Kale is rich in Vitamin C not to mention the muchearly European history and a crop staple in ancient
needed fiber so lacking in the daily diet of processedRome. Kale was brought to the USA during the 17th
food eating Americans. The "Icing on the Kale" are thecentury by English settlers.
natural occurring all important phytochemicalsA leafy green vegetable starting to gain widespread
sulforaphane and indoles which research suggestsattention, kale belongs to the Brassica family, a group
may protect against cancer. Let's not forget the allthat also includes cabbage, collard greens and Brussels
important antioxidant Vitamin E. Rest assured kalesprouts. Choose kale with small leaves as they will be
spares nothing in providing one with much neededtenderer and offer a sweeter taste. Make kale leaves
nutrients and associated health benefits.a regular addition to your salads. A sautéed
The naturally rich sulfur content of kale deserves a bitside dish of kale, onions, and garlic drizzled in olive oil is
more discussion. Science has discovered thatsecond to none. Enjoy your kale. You'll be glad did.