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The Amazing Lacinato Kale

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Since my last article spoke about the importance of eating lots of fruits and vegetables, I thought it might be of benefit to offer you and example of a fantastic green!

I have known for a long time that kale, one of the cruciferous vegetables, is supposed to be one of the ‘greatest of greens’ and yet I have to say that I have never really liked the taste of it. Now I should say, that was always the case until I tried Lacinato kale. Lacinato kale, also known as dinosaur kale, is a type of kale from Italy. It is considered to be more of a wild variety rather than domesticated. The great thing about Lacinato verses regular kale is that is delicious and on the sweet side. Can you imagine this for kale?

Kale in general is loaded with nutrients and is therefore a must in your diet. Just to give you some of the great benefits kale has/is:

• One of the highest levels of phytonutrients than any vegetable
• Of those phytonutrients, one in particular that is high in glucosinolates, which research is showing to be involved in lessening the occurrence of a varieties of cancer
• Phytonutrients also work as antioxidants, which aid in keeping all the cells in your body healthier due to a decrease in free radicals
• One of the highest levels of carotenes, especially lutein and zeaxanthin, both assist in the prevention of damage to the eyes, including decreasing the potential for macular degeneration
• High in beta carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A
• High in Vitamin C
• High in Manganese, a mineral involved in the production of energy from carbohydrates and protein
• Contains 93 mg of Calcium in one cup
• Is loaded with fiber with one cup giving you about 10% of the daily value for fiber
• And much more!

If you want to learn more on some of the detailed studies, go to: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=38

So now that I’ve got your attention, you might be wanting to eat it but what exactly do you do with it? Well, you can eat it raw in your salads or, my favorite thing to do is steam it. Here is how:

• Place about ½” of water in a quart pot
• Remove the ribs from the kale and then slice it into 1” pieces crosswise
• Allow the water to boil
• Add the sliced kale to the pot and cover
• Cook 3-4 minutes or until the kale gets a vibrant green
• Sprinkle with some Celtic salt (go here to learn about this kind of salt:
http://www.celticseasalt.com/Celtic_Seasalt_C3.cfm)
• And serve – it is that easy!

There is an added benefit to cooking it. Research shows that lightly cooking it will increase the bioavailability of the phytonutrients. How great is that?

So, give it a try… I think you will really enjoy not only the benefits but the great taste!

Julie Webster has been personally involved in health for most of her life. At the age of 16 she joined her first health club, started to become interested in alternative health and began implementing healthy changes in her life. Professionally, at the age of 18, she purchased and ran a Jack LaLanne Nutrition Center. From here she went on to operate 14 retail vitamin stores; learning and teaching about the properties of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. She then became a Certified Massage Therapist and has been practicing for the last 19 years. With her passion for health, she wanted to find additional ways to educate the public on health, nutrition and fitness and so became a Certified Health Counselor. Julie offers education through her website and blog. She is also available for seminars, workshops and speaking engagements.

www.julie-webster.com
http://healthandnutritionexperts.wordpress.com

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Pat Elliott
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Hi Julie - Now that really is amazing! To be honest, I don't really know what kale is, but after reading your article I'm going to find out. And that's for letting us know how to cook it too.
Take good care,
Pat

October 28, 2009 - 6:08pm

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Julie Webster
(reply to Pat Elliott)

Glad I peaked your interest... it is sooo good. Just had some for dinner with a bunch of other vegies...yum! :-) Let me know what you think!

October 28, 2009 - 7:13pm

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.