Kale is one of the most popular vegetables in America. A 2016 study found that 76% of people in the U.S. have tried it, and 58% of those people like it. It’s not a surprising popularity considering kale is known for its high nutrient content and its ability to add color to your plate.
While most people think of kale when they hear the word “vegetable,” it is actually a type of cabbage. It comes in many varieties, mostly in the form of hearty greens, such as collards and kale. It also comes in the form of fresh herbs, particularly radicchio, and spices, such as caraway and fennel.
Eating kale can help you lose weight. Let’s take a look at how you can incorporate more kale into your diet and what you should know about the vegetable.
The Benefits Of Kale
Kale comes with a wide range of benefits. Let’s take a quick look at the key points.
- It has high nutrient content
- It is bursting with vitamins
- It is brimming with antioxidants
- It is a good source of dietary fiber
This vegetable is more than just green. It is full of nutrients and compounds that nourish your body. In fact, one cup of kale contains more vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K than a cup of raw spinach. So if you’re looking to supplement your diet with leafy greens, you can say ‘hello’ to kale, collards, and chard.
Vitamins C and A are antioxidants, which act as small fighters in your body. They work together to neutralize free radicals in your body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can lead to cell damage and premature aging. So eating antioxidants directly impacts how you look and feels.
Dietary fiber is another key nutrient found in kale. It is a compound that occurs naturally in plants. In plants, fiber helps feed the bacteria that live in your gut. This in turn influences the health of your large intestine, called your gut microbiome. When your gut microbiome is in good health, it promotes regular digestion, better mental health, and weight loss. Kale is a good source of dietary fiber, containing 7.4 grams per cup.
How To Eat Kale To Lose Weight
Eating kale can help you lose weight, but you have to approach the vegetable in the right way. There are certain tricks and tips that can guide you to a healthier weight. Let’s take a look.
Add It To Your Diet, But Minimize The Amount
Eating enough vegetables is essential for your health. One of the most effective ways of incorporating more vegetables into your diet is to add them to your snacks. You can eat vegetables, such as kale, as part of a meal or use them to make a meal more interesting. Some people like adding spinach to their sandwiches or salads, while others might opt for carrots or broccoli.
The important thing is that you eat enough vegetables, and the way you eat them is unimportant. Your body needs vegetables to stay healthy, so you should be sure to get your daily dose of vitamins and nutrients.
Don’t Forget The Superfood Within
Kale is a rich source of nutrients, but it’s also a vegetable that contains a high level of antioxidants. This makes it a ‘superfood’. Antioxidants are substances that act as small fighters in your body, battling and neutralizing free radicals in your system. Just like vitamins C and A, antioxidants provide your body with essential nutrients, and they also help improve the condition of your skin and promote better overall health.
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can lead to cell damage and premature aging. The body’s largest defense against free radicals is antioxidants. Free radicals can occur naturally within the body, but they are also created by the environment around us. These are the unstable molecules that cause harm to your body’s cells. The good news is that there are ways to prevent all kinds of free radicals! You just need to know where to look for the answers.
Incorporating more vegetables, particularly superfood vegetables, into your diet can help you lose weight and improve your health. With the right guidance, you can ensure that you are getting all the nutrients you need.