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| Kale field photo from wordpress.com |
Kale is one of those odd vegetables that very few none gardeners ever actually ate. Yet thanks to an increase in healthy living and life styles kale has finally gone main stream. Only a few years ago it couldn't be found anywhere but the most exclusive natural foods markets and farmers markets. However thanks to celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Ryan Seacrest promoting the popularity of this super food, it can now be found in most any neighborhood produce department.
This leafy green contains a plethora of good things like carotenoids, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6, calcium, fiber, iron, folic acid, potassium, magnesium, flavonoids and the list just keeps going. Evidence shows that leafy vegetables with dark colors have high concentrations of nutrients that translate in to anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants.
But like all good things it has it's draw backs. Kale contains oxalates which are present in kidney stones and gallstones, but it isn't conclusive evidence that it may cause kidney stones or gallstones. Raw kale can also be hard on the digestive system for those that do not normally consume it, meaning is can cause gas, bloating or other abdominal issues. It is a wonderful addition to integrate into any well rounded diet, but don't go overboard.
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