So, Lyssie has a love affair…the guys got long green hair. Ok, you’re onto us. She does have a love affair, but it’s not just with a guy, it’s also with a veggie—Kale.
Other than being unbelievably delish, kale is well-known for its high fiber content, its vitamins and minerals and its sulfur-containing phytonutrients and health-promoting organosulfur compounds. What does this mean for you other than helping to make the most amazingly scrumptious meals?
Well, it means that by consuming these yummy meals, you’ll be taking advantage of kale’s rich nutrients that have been found to help prevent a variety of cancers such as bladder, breast, colon, ovary, and prostate cancers. Research shows that kale’s phytonutrients help activate certain enzymes in the liver that work together to offset potentially harmful, cancer-causing agents. Woohoo!
If your doctor has told you that you have high cholesterol levels, kale just might be your answer. The trick? Prepare your kale by steaming it so that the fiber-related components will bind with bile acids in your digestive tract, making it much easier for those bile acids to be evacuated.
Need brain energy? Look no further. Kale is packed with manganese, which helps synthesize fatty acids that help provide your brain the energy it needs for healthy functions. Studies show that manganese plays an important role in the energy powerhouses of your cells. One cup of boiled kale contains more than 25% of your Daily Value (DV) for manganese.
Try this delicious and simple kale recipe to reap all of the health benefits!
Steamed Kale Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound kale
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cider vinegar
Preparation:
- Wash the kale well by submerging it in clean water a couple of times.
- Use a sharp knife to cut out the ribs of the kale and coarsely chop the leaves.
- In a large skillet with a lid, heat the oil. Sautee the garlic until it just begins to turn golden.
- Add the kale and the water. Stir briefly and cover.
- Cook on medium until the kale is tender but still bright green.
- Sprinkle with vinegar, season to taste, and serve.
Enjoy!
How do you prefer kale?