By Dayne Hudson
In the super hero world - there's the one character that stands out for you.
And in the super food world - it shouldn't be any different!
One super food that's been getting lots of attention lately, is the leafy, dark green vegetable known as Kale.
SUPER HEROES and SUPER FOODS - Just as important as each other!WHY SHOULD I EAT IT?
IRON
Kale contains MORE iron per calorie than beef. Within our body, we have MYOGLOBIN molecules, that are responsible for transporting oxygen within our muscles.
Without iron, our performance in the weights room or on the running track suffers (1).
It's worth pointing out too, that low iron can also alter protein synthesis (the building and repairing of muscle tissue), so it's vital that we don't ignore this little leafy wonder.
ANTI-CANCER PROPERTIES
Kale has been shown to fight cancer, because it houses a chemical called Sulforaphane, that has been found to have powerful anti-cancer properties (2).
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Just one cup of Kale packs 10% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of omega-3 fatty acids, which protects us from asthma, arthritis, and autoimmune disorders.
HEART HEALTH
Australia's BIGGEST killer is cardiovascular disease.
Kale will help you lower your cholesterol levels, which we know spur on heart disease.
VITAMIN C
One of my favourite vitamins - Kale is full of it! Say "hello" to a strengthened immune system, and save another "hello" for a possible reduction in muscle damage resulting from intense exercise. (For more information on vitamin C and reduced muscle damage, check out my recent article on this very topic on FIT'N'FLEXED here).
CALCIUM
Kale packs MORE calcium per calorie than milk.
So avoid the lactose (aka milk sugar) and serve up a steamy dish of Kale instead.
Without calcium, we run the risk of bone loss, which is not good news for those of us trying to build strong bodies with taxing exercises like squats, dead lifts, etc.
Calcium is also important for a healthy metabolism. If fat loss is your goal - then you've found a trusty friend here!
LOW CALORIE
On the topic of fat loss, just one cup of Kale contains 5 grams of fibre, ZERO fat, for just a measly 36 calories.
GOES WITH ANYTHING
Boil it up and put it on your lean hamburgers, with your tuna, steak, or to accompany your chicken.
A great break from the otherwise monotonous world of green vegetables.
SUPER HEROES NEED SUPER FOODS!
You've got a favourite super hero, and now most likely a new super food, too!
