The Miracle of Kale
What secrets are hidden inside those large, layered dark green leaves? We've written about all the known and lesser-known properties of kale, this miraculous vegetable.
Kale is one of the most widely grown and consumed vegetables both around the world and in our country. You can enjoy it raw in salads, or cooked in dishes, dolma (stuffed vegetables), and soups — whichever you prefer. The truth is, experts are less concerned with how you consume it and more concerned with whether you consume it at all — and they add: kale is a miraculous vegetable, make sure you eat it!
That being the case, we took it upon ourselves to examine kale more closely. The more we read, the more amazed we were, and the more amazed we were, the more we read… It is truly a powerhouse of vitamin C. It also contains abundant amounts of vitamins A, B, and E, as well as minerals such as calcium, potassium, sulfur, magnesium, copper, and iron. Kale promotes cell renewal, helping us age more slowly. A natural remedy against cancer, it inhibits the formation of cancer cells. It fights bone loss, relieves joint pain, and so much more… Don't we need to list all its benefits one by one? Well then, here they are...
Kale and Its Miracles:
A Vitamin C Powerhouse
As you know, vitamin C is the best antioxidant. It reduces free radicals, which are one of the main causes of premature aging. It also prevents the wear and deterioration of cells.
Cancer Fighter
Anti-cancer compounds found in kale — such as lupeol, sinigrin, and sulforaphane — are known to stimulate enzyme activity and prevent tumor growth. In a study conducted on Chinese women undergoing breast cancer treatment, women who regularly consumed vegetables like kale showed a significant reduction in breast cancer.
The Ultimate Detox
It purifies the blood. It eliminates toxins, free radicals, and high uric acid that cause problems such as rheumatism, gout, arthritis, kidney stones, skin conditions, and eczema. Thanks to the vitamin C and sulfur it contains, it has the best detoxifying properties.
A Remedy for Your Eyes
Beta-carotene is a very important substance for eye health. Thanks to the high amount of beta-carotene found in kale, the formation of cataracts is prevented.
Goodbye to Anemia
Kale promotes the formation of red blood cells and helps increase hemoglobin levels. Also a good source of iron, kale is ideal for treating iron-deficiency anemia.
An End to Infections
It is extremely rich in the mineral sulfur. Sulfur plays an effective role in the body's defense against infections. Sulfur is also crucial in the process of wound closure and healing.
A Friend to the Digestive System
Thanks to the abundant fiber found in kale, it fights indigestion problems as well as ulcers, constipation, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal cancers. Consuming it twice a week means freedom from digestive discomfort. As the Tarifi Kolay family, we're here to help — and we're leaving you two kale recipes to make this week. They are the gems of Black Sea cuisine: Kale Dolma (Stuffed Kale Leaves) and Kale Diblesi (Kale Skillet) — bon appétit, and we wish you health and healing.
What Are the Downsides?
*Like all cruciferous vegetables, it reduces iodine absorption. Consuming it more than twice a week is not recommended; however, if you do eat it three times a week, you should make a point of using iodized salt.
*It contains a substance called oxalates, albeit in very small amounts. For this reason, if you have thyroid issues, or conditions such as kidney or gallbladder problems, gout, or rheumatoid arthritis, it is not advisable to consume it.
We wish you healthy days...
