Summer’s Superfood: Kale

Kale is the talk of the town this summer. If you haven’t already been eating it, you have surely heard about it. Smoothies, chips, salads – kale is everywhere! But what makes this leafy green so great? When did kale transition from a simple bitter garnish to a full-blown superfood?

We all know that green vegetables are vital in a healthy diet, but I can only eat so much broccoli and spinach before I lose interest (#realtalk). Kale provides a versatile alternative with some serious health benefits. It contains calcium, lutein, iron, beta-carotene, and Vitamins A, C, and K. In fact, a single serving provides 192% of the recommended daily amount of Vitamin A, which can act as a preventative against lung diseases! It also can lower cholesterol and acts as a detoxifier.

Incorporating this leafy delight into your diet is a simple task, since kale can be used so many ways.  is booming with recipes using kale, ranging from enchiladas to pesto to brownies.  I use kale in my morning smoothies, and with the following recipes, kale deters me from eating an entire bag of potato chips (it’s ok, we’ve all been there).

Kale Smoothie

What you need:

• 1 banana, sliced into chunk (frozen is ideal)
• 1 heaping cup of fresh pineapple chunks
• 1 giant handful of coarsely chopped kale leaves, center rib removed from the kale
• 1 cup cold almond Breeze almond milk (I like to use the Vanilla-flavored milk)
• 1 tbsp honey (optional but nice for added sweetness)

What to do:

Blend ingredients to your preferred consistency and enjoy. Simple!

Kale Chips

What you need:

• 1 bunch of kale
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp of parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper

What to do:

1. Preheat an oven to 350° F (175° C). Line a non-insulated cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. With a knife or kitchen shears, carefully remove the leaves from the thick stems and tear into bite-size pieces. Wash and thoroughly dry kale with a salad spinner. Drizzle kale with olive oil and sprinkle with parmesan, salt, and pepper.
3. Bake for 8-11 minutes (check them frequently!), until the edges brown but do not burn.

So, if you are looking to boost your vitamin intake, improve your health, and enjoy a tasty meal, kale is your go-to ingredient. Let’s hope this healthy trend sticks around!

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