Secret Effects of Eating Kale, Says Science

The superfood is even more potent than you thought previously.

It seems as if the entire health-conscious world has exploded in a chorus of "oh kale yeah" in the last decade or so.

Nutritionists and dietitians are sometimes split on whether foods are healthy—at the very least, there's room for debate over whether any given popular food is as healthful as the trends say. When it comes to kale, though, experts are divided. Although this superfood is bursting with health benefits, it also has certain drawbacks that are nearly negligible — a couple of years ago, there was some concern about persons with overactive thyroids over-consuming the leafy green. Still, no significant health warnings were issued as a result of this.

You don't need to be an expert to realize that kale isn't only good for you—fantastic. The vegetable is well-known for its beneficial effects on both overall health and weight loss. However, as die-hard kale fans, we were curious: what else can this slightly bitter leafy green do for our bodies besides the obvious? Read on to learn about five lesser-known ways kale might aid you.

1. Kale can help you have a better hair day.

Vitamin C is usually linked with oranges, but kale turns out to be just as powerful. A single cup of raw kale has more vitamin C than an orange and more than 100% of the regular dose suggested by some experts.

Kale may have the power to transform your hair with the help of vitamin A, which the leafy green also contains in excess. According to the journal Dermatology and Therapy, vitamin C aids in iron absorption, promoting hair growth while also contributing to collagen, which aids in hair structure. Kale could be a great go-to if you want to boost your 'style.

2. Kale can help you fight off the common cold.

We've all been aware of the critical benefits vitamin C may bring in the last few years: it's the number one vitamin credited with immune system support.

Because kale is so high in vitamin C, it's no surprise that the superfood salad base ranks high among foods that help prevent disease. According to some studies, vitamin C can even help prevent and treat cancer.

3. Kale can help your eyesight.

Kale may be the absolute legend when it comes to keeping your eyes healthy.

According to Nutrients, the vegetable includes a high level of lutein and zeaxanthin, which safeguard your eyes by shielding them from blue light damage, reducing the risk of cataracts, and even improving visual acuity some studies. Not to mention the benefits of ingesting vitamin A for your eye health.

4. Kale can reduce blood clotting.

The kale craze of the last decade is not unfounded: the leafy green is enriched with nutrients and minerals. Kale, in addition to vitamin C, lutein, and zeaxanthin, has a large proportion of vitamin K, which is aptly named.

Vitamin K is an essential component of the process that allows your body's proteins to bind calcium and avoid blood clots. This benefit could also lead to a lower risk of heart disease. Kale is suitable for a healthy heart and a clean bloodstream.

5. Kale improves bone health.

However, vitamin K's effect goes outside your bloodstream. According to the Journal of Food Quality, those lacking in vitamin K are at a higher risk of getting osteoporosis and having bone breakage, according to research. A single cup of kale has 499 micrograms of vitamin K, so a little goes a long way toward growing stronger bones.

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