6 Amazing Health Benefits Of Consuming Kale

Kale or leaf cabbage is a cabbage variant grown for its edible leaves. It is closer to wild cabbage than to domestic cabbage. It is native to Europe but is now cultivated in many regions of the world.

It provides several health and beauty benefits due to the abundance of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, dietary fibers, and phytonutrients, etc.

# Reduces The Risk Of Several Types Of Cancer(S)

Vitamin C, vitamin K and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols et,c present in the kale protects our cells and tissues from the free radical damage, and thus minimizes the risk of several cancers like colon cancer, abdominal cancer, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, etc.

Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that get stabilized by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules and while doing so it causes oxidative damage to them.Chlorophyll present in the kale binds to the carcinogens and prevents them from getting absorbed by the body. Glucosinolates in the kale also reduce the risk of cancer significantly.

# Reduces The Risk Of High Blood Pressure Or Hypertension

Eating 100 grams of kale provides around 358 milligrams of potassium.Potassium, a vital mineral present in the kale is a natural vasodilator that relaxes blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and thus provides relief from hypertension or high blood pressure.

Hypertension is a silent killer that affects millions of people around the world and is a leading cause of various cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, and coronary artery disease.Other nutrients like magnesium and calcium etc also play an important role in regulating blood pressure.

# Manages Cholesterol Level

Kale manages cholesterol levels as it contains dietary fibers that reduce the level of bad LDL cholesterol in the body.This prevents the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits in the inner lining of the arterial walls, and thus minimizes the risk of atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a condition that leads to hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits around the inner lining of the arterial wall and is a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, blockage of the artery, coronary artery disease, etc.

Antioxidants like vitamin C, phytonutrients,s and polyphenols in kale protect our arteries from free radical damage and improve their efficiency.

# Keeps Our Cardiovascular System Healthy

Kale is good for the heart and improves our cardiovascular system as it contains vital nutrients. Vitamin C, vitamin A and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in kale protect our cardiovascular system from free radical damage, and thus minimizes the risk of various cardiovascular problems.

Dietary fibers and bile acid sequestrants in kale manages cholesterol level and thus minimizes the risk of atherosclerosis which is a leading cause of various cardiovascular problems like heart attack and heart stroke etc.Potassium in kale regulates high blood pressure and minimizes the risk of cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, and coronary artery disease.

As per a Los Angeles study, lutein in kale prevents the clogging of arteries by plaque and fat deposit and minimizes heart problems. Kale also contains glucoraphanin that activates Nrf2, a special reactive protein that forms a protective coating in arteries and veins and minimizes damage to them.

# Good For Diabetic Patients

Kale has a low glycemic index of 4 which means it releases sugar into the bloodstream at a slow pace, doesn’t cause a sudden spike in blood sugar level, and thus regulates blood sugar levels.

Dietary fibers in kale slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream and thus aids in managing diabetes. Kale is beneficial for both type-1 and type-2 diabetes.

# Provides Relief From Inflammation

The anti-inflammatory compounds like vitamin C present in the kale provide relief from pain and inflammation caused by inflammatory diseases like gouts, arthritis, rheumatism, rheumatoid, asthma, and bronchial asthma.

Kale contains omega-6 fatty acid that promotes inflammation. However, it also contains an almost equal proportion of omega-3 fatty acid which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.