Food Focus: Incredible Kale

Food Focus: Incredible Kale

KALE:

Kale is rich in flavonoid compounds, such as lutein, zea-xanthin and beta-carotene. A 100g (approx. 1-1/3 cup) contains 3.3g of protein. Yes, protein! In terms of percentage of RDA, it also contains:

Vitamins

• Folates – 7%
• Niacin – 6%
• Pantothenic acid – 1.5%
• Pyridoxine – 21%
• Riboflavin – 10%
• Thiamin – 9%
• Vitamin A – 512%
• Vitamin C – 200%
• Vitamin K – 681%

Electrolytes

• Sodium – 3%
• Potassium – 9.5%

Minerals

• Calcium – 13.5%
• Copper – 32%
• Iron – 21%
• Magnesium – 8%
• Manganese – 34%
• Phosphorous – 8%
• Selenium – 1.5%
• Zinc – 4%

Kale has so many nutritional components that could provide protection from Vitamin A deficiency, osteoporosis, iron-deficiency anemia, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. However, all foods are medicines. Please be aware that there are possible contraindications as well.

CONTRAINDICATIONS – Because of its high vitamin K content, please use kale with extreme caution or avoid it all together if you are taking anti-coagulant medications. Kale increases the vitamin K concentration in the blood system, which is what anti-coagulants attempt to lower.