This leafy winter wonderfood will help to keep you healthy through the coldest time of the year.
Dark leafy vegetables are highly nutritious, and kale is one of the top scorers. In winter your immune system comes under attack and this vitamin-C packed vegetable, providing your daily requirement in one large portion, is a potent defender against colds and viruses. Its anti-inflammatory effects also reduce the risks of asthma attacks and joint pains.
As well as boosting immunity, kale provides bone-building calcium to counteract the weakening effects of being less active in the winter, and lutein and zeaxanthin, which will protect your eyes in wintry conditions. It contains plenty of fiber to keep blood-sugar levels steady, in case staying indoors during the cold weather tempts you to eat more. And all this comes for less than 45 calories a portion. Meanwhile, its long-term benefits as an antioxidant, cleansing and reducing the risk of cancer, are stacked up in your favor, too.
Kale is exceptionally rich in beta carotene. If you are a smoker, or a passive smoker, it might just save your life. A compound in cigarette smoke has been found to cause vitamin A deficiency, which can lead to lung diseases, including emphysema and cancer. But foods rich in beta carotene – which the body turns into vitamin A – can counteract these effects.
Nutrients: Vitamins B6, C, E, K, beta carotene, calcium, copper, manganese, potassium and fiber.
Dark leafy vegetables are highly nutritious, and kale is one of the top scorers. In winter your immune system comes under attack and this vitamin-C packed vegetable, providing your daily requirement in one large portion, is a potent defender against colds and viruses. Its anti-inflammatory effects also reduce the risks of asthma attacks and joint pains.
As well as boosting immunity, kale provides bone-building calcium to counteract the weakening effects of being less active in the winter, and lutein and zeaxanthin, which will protect your eyes in wintry conditions. It contains plenty of fiber to keep blood-sugar levels steady, in case staying indoors during the cold weather tempts you to eat more. And all this comes for less than 45 calories a portion. Meanwhile, its long-term benefits as an antioxidant, cleansing and reducing the risk of cancer, are stacked up in your favor, too.
Kale is exceptionally rich in beta carotene. If you are a smoker, or a passive smoker, it might just save your life. A compound in cigarette smoke has been found to cause vitamin A deficiency, which can lead to lung diseases, including emphysema and cancer. But foods rich in beta carotene – which the body turns into vitamin A – can counteract these effects.
Nutrients: Vitamins B6, C, E, K, beta carotene, calcium, copper, manganese, potassium and fiber.