K is for Kale
By Monica McCarthy
There are super foods and there are SUPER DUPER foods. Kale is part of the latter group. Jam-packed with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fiber, Kale is about as good-for-you as it gets. If I was stranded on a dessert island and could only survive on one ingredient, kale would make it to the top of my list.
Although there are several types of kale out there, Curley kale (which comes in green or purple- ooh la la) and dinosaur kale (also called lacinato kale) are the most common.
Available all year long in many regions of the U.S., Kale is part of the cruciferous family (think Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower), which is known for its powerful cancer-fighting properties.
Don’t believe me? Here are some factoids about our favorite K word…
Every 1 1/2 cups of raw Kale nourishes your body with*:
Vitamin K (1021.3% DV)
Vitamin A (307.5% DV)
Vitamin C (200% DV)
Manganese (8.4% DV)
Vitamin B6 (13.6% DV)
Potassium (12.8% DV)
Iron (6.5% DV)
Calcium (13.5% DV)
*U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service National Agriculture Library