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I just came across a great article in the Washington Post talking about the benefits of Kale. In light of yesterday's post, I though it appropriate to share. According to the article, kale not only contains vitamin's K, A, C, and the carotenoids, but also a whopping 45 different flavanoid compounds. These compounds confer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, helping to ward off chronic disease.
Something I found interesting, that I did not know before, is that you should not have raw kale more than once or twice per week. Apparently, it suppresses thyroid function in some people and can also cause gastrointestinal distress. So make sure you don't go crazy juicing raw kale or including the raw leaves in salads.
Cooked kale on the other hand is fine to have as many times per week as you would like. And while raw kale appears to be more protective against cancer, cooked kale has been found to have a better cholesterol lowering effect. Another good point made was that those on blood thinners should be careful when including kale in diet due to it's high content of vitamin K, a vitamin that promotes blood clotting.
Okay, I think that's enough about kale and leafy greens for the moment. But I will leave you with this thought... Isn't it amazing how much of an impact the foods we consume have within our body!? This one leafy green can help to protect us from cancer, can work to decrease inflammation in the body, can increase blood clotting, and even impact our thyroid gland! I bet you think about that the next you are choosing between an apple or a bag of chips with your deli sandwich :)
Oh and I just have to post my mom's comments from yesterday; she is so adorable and shared a great kale smoothie recipe! Gees, I wonder where I get my interest in healthy eating...
"I love your updates. I will definitely try the muffins, they look great. And you have the kale segment, I made a second smoothie and I really like them. I think I will keep the supplies on hand. 2 Cups Kale, 1/2 Cup Low Fat Soy Milk (I used reg 1%), 1 Banana, 1 Tbsp Flax Seed, 1 Tsp Maple Syrup (I used Agave Necter). Here is a comment I like "Nutrition is the Garden of the Soul". Keep up the good work. Love, Mom Oh yeah, I made the vegetarian lasagna last night for bookclub, everyone loved it."
Something I found interesting, that I did not know before, is that you should not have raw kale more than once or twice per week. Apparently, it suppresses thyroid function in some people and can also cause gastrointestinal distress. So make sure you don't go crazy juicing raw kale or including the raw leaves in salads.
Cooked kale on the other hand is fine to have as many times per week as you would like. And while raw kale appears to be more protective against cancer, cooked kale has been found to have a better cholesterol lowering effect. Another good point made was that those on blood thinners should be careful when including kale in diet due to it's high content of vitamin K, a vitamin that promotes blood clotting.
Okay, I think that's enough about kale and leafy greens for the moment. But I will leave you with this thought... Isn't it amazing how much of an impact the foods we consume have within our body!? This one leafy green can help to protect us from cancer, can work to decrease inflammation in the body, can increase blood clotting, and even impact our thyroid gland! I bet you think about that the next you are choosing between an apple or a bag of chips with your deli sandwich :)
Oh and I just have to post my mom's comments from yesterday; she is so adorable and shared a great kale smoothie recipe! Gees, I wonder where I get my interest in healthy eating...
"I love your updates. I will definitely try the muffins, they look great. And you have the kale segment, I made a second smoothie and I really like them. I think I will keep the supplies on hand. 2 Cups Kale, 1/2 Cup Low Fat Soy Milk (I used reg 1%), 1 Banana, 1 Tbsp Flax Seed, 1 Tsp Maple Syrup (I used Agave Necter). Here is a comment I like "Nutrition is the Garden of the Soul". Keep up the good work. Love, Mom Oh yeah, I made the vegetarian lasagna last night for bookclub, everyone loved it."