Once upon a time, kale was used mainly for staging food in photographs. Now, it's the main star of magazine spreads, billboards, and many Michelin star menus. What raised kale to the level of green superstar and can kale nutrition back up the craze?
Here's what you need to know:
How Did the Kale Nutrition Craze Start?
There is some debate about the origins of this superhero. Kale has been popular in places like Scotland for centuries, but it wasn't talked about much in the United States until 2007 when critics began to mention it favorably. More celebrities and cultural icons began referencing their love of kale and soon the leafy green vegetable was trendy.
Interestingly, one person takes special credit for the popularity of kale. Oberon Sinclair, a publicist, created an elaborate campaign to get kale on the center stage of tables nationally. Why? She says she put all the effort in because she loves kale and wants to encourage healthier eating habits. Her story is wild.
Wherever the credit is due, the fact is that kale is a craze and it's got the nutrients to back it up!
Kale Nutrition Benefits
Kale is promoted as a super-nutritious food for good reason. You can reap tons of health benefits from kale nutrition. For example, kale is:
- More nutrient-dense than most other foods in the world
- Packed with antioxidants which have anti-aging properties
- Loaded with more vitamin C per cup than an orange
- Able to lower cholesterol and minimize heart disease risk
- Good for protecting and fighting against cancer
- High in vitamin K, beta-carotene, and many minerals
- A great source of fiber (and may help with weight loss)
Another (Big) Reason Kale is a Great Choice
On top of all the health benefits of kale, there's another reason it's a smart food to add to your diet: you can do so much with kale!
Not all foods with this many health benefits are as easy to fit into your everyday life. You can enjoy kale as a part of salads, snacks, side dishes, soups, main courses, and even in smoothies! Kale goes well with fruits, honey, and other sweets for dessert drinks, too.
Kale is also easy enough to prepare and add to dishes that being busy doesn't work as an excuse for avoiding it.
Top Kale Recipes You Need to Try
Join the kale craze starting with these amazing kale recipes:
Lots of healthy juices contain kale too. Kick off your adventure with kale and other healthy drinkable nutrients using our FREE Juice Guide!
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