Benefits Of Kale
August 12, 2009
For healthy living, we must include leafy green vegetables in our meals. Kale is one such vegetable, which is not only good to eat but its nutrients make it a noted health food.
Kale is a member of the Brassica family. Other members of the Brassica family include cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and collards. The vegetables of this family are rich in sulfur based plant nutrients, such as cysteine sulfoxide and glucosinolates. Kale primarily grows in colder regions.
Prevents cancer
Kale is one of those vegetables, which, researchers believe, could prevent cancers. The sulfur-based phytonutrients, present in kale, give this plant its cancer fighting properties. The glucosinolates and cysteine sulfoxide, present in kale, stimulates the liver enzymes to neutralize the carcinogenic toxins.
Studies have shown that sulforaphane, a type of glucosinolate found in kale, is capable of preventing growth of cancer cells, by promoting the detoxification functions of the liver enzyme by changing gene expression. Sulforaphane, by activating the liver enzymes, could even induce suicide in colon cancer cells.
Our body converts glucosinolates, obtained from kale, into isothiocyanate, which is a powerful anti-cancer agent. It particularly protects the bladder from harmful toxins that pass through it. Kale is also rich in flavonoids, which are noted for their anti-carcinogenic activities.
Maempferol, a type of flavonoid present in kale, could significantly reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. By consuming kale, you could reduce the risk of colon, breast, ovarian and lung cancers. Moreover, beta-carotene present in kale could prevent skin cancer.
Good for the eyes
To keep your eyes healthy, you should consume kale. Carotenoids present in kale protect our eyes from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Lutein, a type of carotenoid, found in kale could significantly reduce the risk of cataract development. Kale is also a good source of beta-carotene. Our body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A. To prevent night blindness and for good eyesight we need vitamin A.
Promotes lung function
This vitamin A rich vegetable could also protect your lungs from the harmful effect of cigarette smoking. Studies have found that vitamin A rich diet could prevent lung inflammation and emphysema.
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