So happy that the one and only surviving kale plant is thriving now that the deer have finally stopped getting in and munching on it! They must know how good it is for you!
My Dad has a hang up about kale as it was used to feed the animals when he was growing up. Maybe the farmers actually knew something- I know the deer definitely do! lol!
---Anti-inflammatory: With an Omega 6 to Omega 3 ratio close to 1:1, it can help counteract the current imbalanced diet of too many Omega 6s. Also, don’t forget that most disease starts with inflammation so adding kale to your diet can only help.
---High in Antioxidants: High in Vitamin C and beta- carotene antioxidants which are known to help fight the damage caused by free radicals. Our bodies are being constantly bombarded by all kinds of chemicals in our food, air, water and the oxidative stress from these can cause cell damage and has been connected to all kinds of disease from cataracts to cancer and heat disease. In fact, oxidative stress is also known to be one of the main contributing factors to neurocognitive disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
---Detoxifying: There is a component in kale called isothiocyanates (ITCs), which are made from glucosinolates. Dr. Rhonda Patrick talks about these all the time and research has shown that these compounds can help detox your body at the cellular level. The sulphur in the kale also helps with the detoxification process. However, make sure you get your kale from a good reputable organic and if possible, a local source that does not radiate or treat the kale as this will only decrease the beneficial compounds.
--Heart Healthy: Being anti-inflammatory and high in antioxidants, it is very supportive of the heart. Clinical studies also show that is can improve cholesterol by increasing the HDL (good cholesterol) to LDL (bad cholesterol) by up to 27 percent!!
---Cancer preventative: It’s those amazing glucosinolates again! They break down during the digestion process into compounds that prevent cancer cell growth. These powerhouse compounds inactivate carcinogens, protect cells from DNA damage, induce cell death, inhibit tumor blood vessel formation which is what feeds and allows the cancer to grow among many other things!!
- Eye Supportive: Kale has high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin, two powerful antioxidants which have been shown to help with cataracts and macular degeneration.
No wonder those deer loved my kale- it kept them healthy all during the winter!!!
Ok- off now to make my son’s favorite Kale & Quinoa Salad and some kale chips!! Both of which are super easy to eat!