Got Kale? Why You Need This Superfood

Got Kale? Why You Need This Superfood
By Shanda Henley

Kale. Do you like kale? Well, you should. Why? “Because it’s so delicious and nutritious,” says DJ Kale spinning on the 1’s and 2’s. It’s loaded with vitamins and minerals to give you that energy you need to get through your day. Kale is a green, lean healthy gut machine. Love vitamins A, C, and K, copper, potassium, manganese, and iron? Of course you do. It’s low in saturated fat and cholesterol. It has enough protein and fiber to give you healthier bones, skin, and hair! And it detoxifies your body of that “mystery meat,” and other yucky stuff, too. Whether you’re fighting off ninjas, hiking through the mountains, or trying to fend off that afternoon energy slump, kale supplies the fuel you need.

Now, I have to admit that I wasn’t always this gung ho about this dark, leafy green vegetable we affectionately call Holy Kale. It wasn’t until several years ago that I decided to start living a greener, healthier life. I do enjoy lean protein, such as fish, chicken, and turkey. So I don’t label myself a vegan or vegetarian by definition, but I do believe in eating a more plant-based diet.

After conducting my own extensive research (yes, please do your own research… I’m not an MD) on natural and holistic living, I began to discover the amazing benefits of countless superfoods, particularly kale. According to HealwithFood.org, kale has potential to prevent cancer and ward off diabetes! Now that’s a superfood. Recently I visited my optometrist for my annual eye exam, and I was told that my vision had actually improved from last year! What?! So I don’t have to get a stronger prescription? No, not at all. Since the 5th grade I had gotten used to those prescription numbers climbing higher on the chart each year, so I was ecstatic to learn that my vision had drastically improved! When my doctor asked me what changes I had made over the year, I told him about my healthier, greener, “kaler” diet. In fact, Mercola.com, along with numerous other natural health sources, supports findings that kale is known to have superhero powers in the eye department!

No, I’m not perfect, but I do eat way better – and greener – than I did several years ago, right, Nutribullet? Yeah, Nutribullet knows how much I love a green smoothie. In fact, there are so many creative ways to enjoy kale. I love to use kale in my salads and on turkey burgers (in place of lettuce), and mixed in with whole wheat penne pasta. Oh, kale chips are so good, too!

Here’s one of my favorite ways to have fun with kale:

(Cook time: approximately 10-15 min. over medium-heat)

Saut� 12-16 oz. of kale in enough olive oil to coat the skillet

Stir in diced tomatoes and onions

Add Trader Joe’s 21 Seasoning Salute, red crushed pepper, and garlic powder (or your favorite seasoning blend)

*Now, you could stop here. Or… you could add some black beans or brown rice to make it more filling.

And voila! Dinner is served…

So yeah, kale and I go way back. I’m glad that we became friends, and I encourage you to befriend kale, too. I have improved vision, more energy, clearer skin, and stronger hair. And I have less cravings for naughty processed foods. Over time, you’ll discover you have more superhero energy to do the things you love.

Share in the comments section how you’ve incorporated kale in your diet and what improvements you’ve seen in your health (no matter how small).

Shanda Henley is a professional writer and editor in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. She runs Shanda Unscripted, a lifestyle blog for inspiration and positivity, where you’ll find great tips on holistic/healthy living; budget-saving ideas on entertainment, shopping, and having fun; inspirational stories; random dog-related tidbits; and lots of L-O-V-E! When she’s not writing, she’s probably enjoying a day at the dog park with Angel, Golden Retriever mix. For a weekly dose of inspiration and positivity, head over to http://www.shandaunscripted.com

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