Kale is one of the most underrated super foods available to you. It has a lot of vitamins and nutrients that is vital to your diet.
What exactly is Kale?
The green or purple veggie is related to cabbage and is classified by leaf type (curly, plain, etc.). It’s hearty enough to survive winter frosts and grows in individual stalks. It’s actually one of the healthiest vegetables you can eat.
Why it’s good for you.
Kale is truly a superfood. It’s filled with micronutrients, including vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and chlorophyll. Kale is popular among cancer patients, since it is helps one achieve a healthy alkaline balance and thus a neutralized body system; it can also help improve circulation and reduce inflammation. It’s also high in fiber and zeaxanthin, which is a carotenoid that protects eyes from vascular degeneration [Source: Super Kids Nutrition]
How to add kale to your diet.
Try making a green smoothie in the morning by mixing some kale, fruit, and a liquid base (try almond milk, water, or coconut water). Kale chips are a great introduction to the veggie, and a popular choice among children. Sautéing some kale for a side dish is always a good option, or you can throw some leaves into a soup after taking it off the stove.
We have included a delicious recipe for Kale Chips. They are easy to make and taste delicious!
- Wash kale. Use fresh, velvet like kale, that’s green or purple,
- Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Wash and thoroughly dry. Flat kale dries easier and quicker than curly kale. It’s essential to have completely dry kale before you bake -if you have to use curly kale, use a salad spinner to dry. You can always buy prewashed kale at the grocery.
- Tear Kale into bite sized pieces (or about the size of chips).
- Pour a small amount of organic canola, grape seed oil or olive oil in a bowl.
- Dip your fingers in the oil and rub the oil into the kale leaves very lightly coating the entire back and front.
- Put torn medium size pieces of kale on a baking sheet making sure they don’t touch. Place on top or medium rack.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes checking to make sure tips are NOT browning. Chips should come out crisp (especially if you dried the kale completely).
- Add a dash of salt and enjoy!