Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Health benefits of Kale

Kale is a form of cabbage and related to broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts.  It is very low in calories and contains more nutrients than most other greens.  Kale is an excellent source of vitamin K, which is essential for bone and blood health, and helps by mediating coagulation and anticoagulation.  Sulforaphane is a chemical found in kale and also sprouts and broccoli.  A study published in Drug Discovery Today found that sulforaphane may help stop breast cancer cells from growing.  The University of Texas conducted a study and found that a diet rich in kale may prevent bladder cancer by up to 29%.  Kale may also help ovarian cancer too.  The Nurse’s Health Study observed that women whose diets provided the most kaempferol, a flavonoid found in kale, had a 40% reduction in risk of ovarian cancer.  By supplying the body with plenty of calcium, copper and manganese, kale may help absorb iron and prevent bone loss. 

For a delicious green take on a traditional smoothie, try the Kale and Pear Smoothie made in the Vitamix 5200. Using just 1 cup of kale, this green smoothie provides twice the daily requirement of Vitamin A and seven times the recommended amount of Vitamin K.
Lemon Basil Sorbet

1/2 cup white grape juice concentrate
1/2 banana
1/4 inch slice of lemon with peel
3-5 fresh basil leaves
2 cups spinach
About 2 cups of ice

 Place all ingredients into Vitamix container & secure lid.
Select variable speed 1, turn machine on & quickly increase speed to 10 then high.  Use tamper to press ingredients into the blades, run it for about 30-60 seconds. The sound of the motor will change and four mounds will appear.
Serve and enjoy.