We’re continuing our “Superfood Profile” series of blogs with some of our favorite, and some of the greatest greens out there: kale, broccoli, and avocado! Each one of these is packed with great vitamins, minerals and all sorts of other things your body needs. So let’s dive right in and take an in-depth look at these great greens!
Kale:
Kale is almost synonymous with the term “superfood”, and for good reason! Kale is pack (and I mean packed) with key vitamins and minerals, including huge quantities of vitamins A, C, K, iron and manganese per serving. In addition, Kale is high in both protein and fiber, making it one of the most nutrient-dense plants on Earth! In addition to all those nutrients, kale is full of antioxidants, substances that counteract oxidative damages in your body. These powerful antioxidants can help fight off liver disease, and even cancer. Kale even has a potent effect on cholesterol levels, making it great for your heart. Kale makes a great addition to any smoothie, salad or sandwich, and with all these amazing benefits, who can resist it!
Broccoli:
Broccoli is a dietary staple around the world, especially in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. It’s so common place, that most wouldn’t think of it as a superfood! But lo and behold, humble broccoli has just as much to offer you as some of the biggest superfoods out there! First and foremost, Broccoli is packed with vitamins and minerals. Some of the most important, and present in the highest quantities are: vitamins A, B6, C, and K, fiber, potassium, selenium, and manganese. Broccoli is also great for you skin. All of the vitamins present in broccoli help keep your skin looking young and healthy, especially vitamins A, B, and C. Broccoli also has powerful cancer-fighting properties, as it is packed full of anti-carcinogenic compounds. However, boiling broccoli can actually strip it of many of these incredible properties, so always be sure to roast, fry, or steam it to get the full benefits!
Avocado:
It seems like everyone trying to improve their diet or lose weight is eating avocados these days, and for good reason! Avocado is high in fatty acids, which may turn some people away, but your body actually needs fat to function, and when it comes in a nutrition packed fruit like the avocado, it is extremely beneficial. Avocados are also extremely resistant to pesticides due to their thick skin, so there is little difference in fruit quality between organic and non-organic avocados. Like all of the other greens we’ve discussed in this piece, avocados are packed full of vitamins and minerals, including: vitamins C, B6, B12, A, D, K, and E, calcium, potassium, and iron. Avocados are very easy to digest, and as such, aid in the entire digestive process and can provide relief for many digestive issues. The fruit is also great for your skin, hair, and teeth, which is why you see it on many shampoo bottles and skincare products (though admittedly, I have not encountered an avocado based toothpaste). As if that wasn’t enough, avocados have anti-cancer properties, are great for your kidneys, and even have certain anti-aging properties. They are easily one of the best things you can put in your body!
Sources:
- “10 Health Benefits of Kale.” Healthline, Healthline Media.
- “11 Incredible Benefits of Broccoli.” Organic Facts, 15 Feb. 2018.
- “12 Proven Health Benefits of Avocado.” Healthline, Healthline Media.
- “19 Best Benefits of Avocado.” Organic Facts, 19 Jan. 2018.
- Boldt, Ethan. “Health Benefits of Kale + Kale Nutrition & Kale Recipes.” Dr. Axe, 5 July 2017.
- “Health Benefits of Broccoli.” Healthy Eating.
- Lewis, Alison. “Top 10 Health Benefits of Eating Kale.” Mindbodygreen, 2 Apr. 2012.