I discovered kale when I started eating a plant-based diet. Until then, I thought of kale as a decorative non-edible green. Can you believe that?
I find that when I tell people about kale they tell me they have never heard of it. That is because most people when they hear greens, they think of collards and turnips.
I am a southern girl and I use to believe there were only three types of greens; collards, turnips and cabbages. As it turns out there are many green leafy vegetables out here waiting for us to try.
I am so glad that I began eating a plant-based diet. Because if I hadn’t, I would never know about all the many green leafy vegetables that exist.
Kale is by far one of my favorite greens and I enjoy all varieties. I can eat kale cooked or raw. It is not too bitter and not too strong, the taste is just right. If you have never eaten kale, I urge you to give it a try.
The next time you are in the grocery store or a Farmers Market, grab yourself a bunch or two of kale. Once you eat kale you will forget all about the collards, turnips, and the cabbages; trust this southern girl on this one.
What is kale?
Kale is a dark green leafy vegetable that most people don’t think they can eat. Curly kale is often found on salad bars and buffets as decoration. But it is better eaten than wasted on making things look pretty.
Kale belongs to the cruciferous family which include: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, turnips, kohlrabi, Brussels sprouts, collards, muster greens and turnip greens.
Kale along with the other cruciferous vegetables contain phytochemicals that make them very powerful. These phytochemicals are indoles and isothiocyanates.
Indoles have antiestrogenic activity that help reduce the risk of related cancers.
Isothiocynates (sulforaphane) have anticancer activity.
4 Reasons Why You Should Eat Kale
1. Kale has the greatest antioxidant activity when rated against 19 other vegetables.
2. Kale is rich in lutein, which is a phytochemical that helps protect the eyes from macular degeneration.
3. Kale is one of the best sources of flavonols.
4. Kale is a great source of calcium.
There are other dark green leafy vegetables in the cruciferous family that offer the same benefits. Eat a variety of green leafy vegetables and you will not go wrong.
When you eat a variety of green leafy vegetables, I guarantee you that you will find yourself making kale your number one go to green. Well, at least I hope so!
You already know that my favorite green is kale. What is your favorite?
Source of Information: Becoming Vegan: The Complete Guide to Adopting a Healthy Plant-Based Diet
Recommended Reading: Greens Glorious Greens: More than 140 Ways to Prepare All Those Great-Tasting, Super-Healthy, Beautiful Leafy Greens
Image credit: Quinn Dombrowski
Kale is also number one in nutrition density on the ANDI list. I was doing some research on the most nutrient dense veggies a while ago ( and at the time I didn’t even know what kale was ), and when I found out about all of the nutrition benefits of kale, I literally stocked my fridge with it. Now I add it to my shakes, make salads and kale chips all the time ( cooking is probably not the best way to eat kale, but it’s definitely better than potato chips ).
I love kale! It is one of my favorite greens.
Thanks for sharing about t he nutrient density of kale. I need to make me some kale chips…I love those things. 🙂 I prepare them in my dehydrator, when I make them. I’ve tried baking in the oven, just didn’t cut it for me.
Hi Greg,
That’s great! Thanks for sharing!
I love kale! It’s great in smoothies, too!
Hey Elle,
Yes, yum yum in smoothies.
Since I learned that kale is nutritious I’m trying to have more of this green leaf. Health sources says that it is loaded with rich antioxidants like carotenoids and flavonoids, it helps helps regulate the body’s inflammatory process and even prevents cancer.
Hey Adam,
Kale is the king of the green leafy vegetables, so eat up! 😉
One of my very fav amongst the kales is cavolo nero Also known as black Tuscan cabbage http://www.abc.net.au/tv/cookandchef/txt/s1969411.htm
I grow my own sometimes – easy to do & totally worth it
Hi McCloy,
Yes, that type of kale is my favorite too. We call it “dinosaur” kale.
I have found kale to be easy to grow. Very hardy and isn’t easily bothered by pests.
Thanks for stopping by!
Evelyn
I discovered kale many years ago. Mother sent me to the store for collards, and they were out. Grabbed about 10 bunchs of kale. Been a staple at Thanksgiving ever since.
I just recently learned to make kale chips. Definitely a better snack alternative.
Now aren’t you glad you grabbed those 10 bunches of kale. That’s great!
Kale chips are delicious. They are a great snack alternative to other unhealthy snacks.
Thanks for stopping by!
I have not paid much attention to Kale before, I should try to eat this vegie.,I love lettuces, broccoli and cabbage too.
Hi David,
Yes, try it, I’m sure you’ll like it! 😉
Kale, kale, and more kale! LOL! I need to make some kale chips.
Yes, yes, yes! I love kale chips. I need to some too. 🙂
Yes I have seen many places where people use vegetables to decorate. I think vegetables are meant for eating healthy and not for wasting in decoration.
Thanks for the great post on usefulness of Kale.
Hi Jupitor,
I agree! Vegetables are meant for eating and not decor.
Thanks for stopping by!
Can’t do it! I love spinache though 🙂
Hey Michelle,
Oh, no a spinach lover in the house. In the words of Martin on the Martin Show “Get to stepping you gots to go!” LOL Just kidding with you.
I love spinach too. In fact, spinach is my second favorite among the green leafy vegetables. 😉
Thanks for stopping by, Michelle!
LOL! My favorite vegetable is potato chips LOLOL! Seriously, though I don’t like many veggies but there are those I will eat faithfully: spinach, broccoli, green beans. That’s it. The others are more starchy: corn, potatoes, green peas (my mom hates these!)
Wow..this is my first time hearing about this one Evelyn. Maybe its something I can look into.
“Black Seo Guy “Signing Off”
Antonio,
If you try them, I’m sure you will like them. 😉
Hi Evelyn!
Saw this title and had to come by. I love kale and have been eating it a lifetime. It’s one of my favorite greens. Now I know just how good it is FOR me. 🙂
Thanks for the post.
Hey Jimi,
Good to see you here!
I’m so happy to know that kale is one of your favorites. Too cool! 😉