National Kale Day, and the Other Days

OK, I know National Kale Day was Wednesday.  I have many fine qualities, but great timing might not be one of them.  Regardless, it’s never too late to talk about the super nutritious, versatile and tasty green social climber that seems to have eclipsed all other greens on the road to stardom.  Does kale really deserve all this acclaim, or does kale just have better PR than spinach and collards and all the other greens outstanding in their fields?   I have nothing against kale, in fact I really like it.  It is way better in a smoothie or juice than cabbage, collard, or mustard greens but I prefer chard when I juice, because I get more juice from it.  And what I didn’t realize is that I’m also getting  lot more iron.

What you may not know about kale is that it is a part of the cruciferous or cabbage family which includes broccoli, brussels sprouts,both collard and mustard greens and bok choy. Chard belongs to the chenopod family—including beets, spinach, and quinoa. Many greens can be used interchangeably in recipes, depending on their structure.  What is great about kale is that it has a strong cellular structure so it can stand up to almost any cooking application, from a sauté to roasting, while many of it’s more delicate chenopod cousins cannot.  All these greens grow well in most climates, making them easily accessible to shoppers in most of the country almost year ’round, and at reasonable prices.

When you read about all the benefits of kale (which abound) it can do everything from saving the planet, to your marriage.  And I’m not jesting.  Especially if you choose organic, and my personal belief is that whenever possible, you should. Members of the crucifer family contain a broad spectrum of health supporting and enhancing phytonutrients, particularly Sulforaphane, ALA, and Folates. Sulforophane’s antioxidants help combat high blood pressure, as well as the ability to stimulate natural detoxifying enzymes which reduce brain inflammation, and minimizes some cancer risks.  Alpha-linolenic Acid is a plant-based omega-3 fat. ALA is important for both brain and heart health, and has been linked to decreased risk of depression, anxiety and the negative effects of stress (but who needs to worry about that?).  Folates are water-soluble b-9 vitamins, which are also good for your brain, as well as reducing he risk of heart disease, and fighting cancer.  People with digestive tract issues can be especially prone to folate deficiencies, so kale up folks!

Phytonutrients are any nutrients found on plants, so are found in whole grains, nuts, beans and tea.  Phytonutrients aren’t essential for keeping you alive, unlike the vitamins and minerals that plant foods contain. But when you eat or drink phytonutrients, they may help prevent disease and keep your body working properly.  More than 25,000 phytonutrients are found in plant foods, and include Lutein and zeaxanthin which are found in these dark leafy greens. There is a long list of other phytonutrients, all of which can be found in plant based foods.

Though I support National Kale Day theoretically— why not bring more attention to a spectrum healthy greens as well as other nutrient rich vegetables?  Why just a day?  Why not have 364 more days of all kinds of fruits and veggies?