5 Reasons Kale Is the New Beef

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Until just a couple of years ago, kale did not get nearly the same attention as other leafy greens like spinach or Swiss chard. Many people had not even tried kale and were not quite sure how it was prepared! Fortunately, that has all been changing in these past couple of years as people start to understand more about the amazing nutritional value that kale has to offer – and the amazing health benefits it offers as well. Whether it is chopped in a salad, sautéed in olive oil and garlic or put in a juicer and added to the morning smoothie, kale has got what it takes. Read on to find out more about the health benefits that kale can bring to the table.

Reduces Inflammation

Medical professionals are now increasingly aware of the role that chronic, low-level inflammation plays in many conditions like diabetes, heart disease and even certain forms of cancer. Kale, however, is considered to be one of the great anti-inflammatory foods since it is full of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are able to reduce inflammation throughout the body.

Supports Heart Health

Kale is an incredibly heart-healthy food! It has been shown that a diet rich in kale (and other greens like spinach or collards) are linked to prevention of cholesterol and fat building up in the arteries, a process called atherosclerosis which is a major risk factor for heart attacks.

Boosts Immunity

Kale, like many dark, leafy green vegetables, is a rich source of antioxidants. These antioxidants boost the immune system by helping to remove toxins from the body and by preventing oxidative stress to the cells from free radicals. This, in turn, can also help reduce the development of certain forms of cancer.

Provides Dietary Fiber

Dietary fiber is incredibly important to the overall health of the body – and most Americans simply do not get enough of it!!! A diet high in fiber is associated with improved digestion, easier weight loss, more efficient removal of toxins from the body and even better heart health!

Excellent Source of Nutrients

Because the American diet is so dependent upon highly processed foods, it often lacks not only dietary fiber but many other important nutrients as well. Increasing the consumption of kale can help because it is loaded with vitamins and minerals, antioxidants and even protein, all of which can help those who are trying to overcome various nutritional deficiencies.

Therefore, kale is not just a delicious and versatile vegetable to add to the diet. It also brings with it a ton of health benefits, making it one of the truly great superfoods and a wonderful addition to any diet which seeks to promote heart health, increased immunity and overall better nutritional status.

Sources: authoritynutrition.com, medicalnewstoday.com, mindbodygreen.com

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Meghan Telpner
Meghan has written many articles about health subjects as a journalist and as a freelance writer. As a reporter, she often covered hospital and clinic events/news and wrote news and features about health topics relevant to people in the community.