How much kale should I eat a day? (2023)

How much kale should I eat a day?

Manganiello says you can eat kale every day, just don't overdo it. She recommends one to two servings maximum of kale per day, leaving room for other healthy foods that provide an assortment of nutrients.

However, consuming too much can potentially have a negative impact on your health. For instance, consuming an excessive amount of kale can take a toll on your gastrointestinal system, causing gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.

Nutrition Facts Kale, raw, chopped Serving size: 1 cup (67 g) Calories 33 Calories from Fat 4 *Percent Daily Values (%DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

One review of goitrin concentrations in cruciferous vegetables found that only an excessive intake of 2.2 pounds (1 kg) of kale per day for several months significantly impaired thyroid function in otherwise healthy adults ( 8 ).

One of the super great things that eating kale every day can do for you is raise your antioxidant level naturally, and that has benefits for your body, as noted by registered dietitian Rachel Fine. "Lutein and zeaxanthin are the most common antioxidants found in leafy greens like kale," she told The List.

“Cancer studies seem to show that raw kale is more beneficial than cooked, while cholesterol studies seem to show that steamed kale is more beneficial than raw,” says Harris, who recommends a bit of both in your diet. But whatever you do, don't boil, saute or stir-fry the veggie too long or with too much added liquid.

The Bottom Line. Kale and spinach are highly nutritious and and associated with several benefits. While kale offers more than twice the amount of vitamin C as spinach, spinach provides more folate and vitamins A and K. Both are linked to improved heart health, increased weight loss, and protection against disease.

A superfood leafy green, kale is OK to eat raw (as in, you won't die), but you should do so in moderation.

There are three groups of people who should avoid kale: (1) People taking blood thinners like Coumadin (warfarin). These folks should consult with their physician prior to changing their kale consumption, as all the vitamin K in kale can interfere with that medicine.

Kale is more than a food trend, it's also one of nature's best natural laxatives. Dark leafy greens like kale, collards, Swiss chard, and spinach contain magnesium, a mineral that helps soften stools, making them easier to pass.

Why should you not eat kale every day?

But in some cases, eating kale might not be as healthy as you think. For example, it can interact with thyroid function if it's eaten in very high amounts. It contains something called progoitrin, which can interfere with thyroid hormone synthesis and essentially block the iodine your thyroid needs to function.

One cup of raw kale contains even more vitamin C than an orange! You can eat kale raw in a smoothie (no need to cook it first). The raw kale flavor is strong on its own, but the other ingredients mellow it. Pineapple.

Kale helps decrease inflammation and stress in your body.

"Kale is also packed with plant compounds that act as antioxidants in the body," says Best. "These work to actively reduce inflammation and oxidative stress that can damage the body's cells and tissues leading to chronic conditions."

Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collards are loaded with antioxidants. They're also packed with fiber, and other things your liver needs.

After you wash the kale and remove the excess moisture, portion it out and wrap it up loosely in clean paper towels. Store it in a ziplock bag or airtight container in the fridge in the crisper drawer for up to 6 days.

First things first: Kale and collard stems are tough, chewy, and fibrous. While we enjoy the occasional raw collard or kale salad, you should never eat the stems raw.

Raw kale is also contains oxalic acid, which binds with minerals such as calcium and magnesium in the body causing them to crystalize. These crystals can damage tissues, cause inflammation in the body and kidney stones. So, a daily dose of raw kale and other goitrogenic vegetables may not be such a great idea.

But despite all that kale-leaf love, most kale recipes suggest you de-stem the sturdy greens by slicing along the thick middle stalk, use only the (relatively) more tender leaf, and toss the stems into the compost bin.

1. Spinach. This leafy green tops the chart as one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables. That's because 1 cup (30 grams) of raw spinach provides 16% of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin A plus 120% of the DV for vitamin K — all for just 7 calories ( 1 ).

What's healthier kale or broccoli?

Broccoli is a good source of B vitamins and potassium. It also contains similar vitamins and minerals to kale such as vitamins A, K and iron. Compared to kale, broccoli is slightly higher in fiber and carbs.

Olivia's Organics Baby Kale offers all the flavor and nutritional benefits of its full-grown kale counterpart, but its leaves are more tender and it cooks more quickly. That makes it an ideal healthy addition to salads and cooked recipes as well as a standout side dish.

Also, like other cruciferous vegetables, kale is high in raffinose, a carbohydrate that is difficult to digest. In our intestinal tract, it combines with the existing bacteria and produces bloating and gas, which can be extremely uncomfortable and overwork the body as it tries hard to digest it.

Some foods can help lower blood pressure naturally, and kale is one of them. Because it contains high levels of magnesium, calcium, and potassium, along with other vitamins and fiber all working together, kale can help lower blood pressure.

Vegetables such as kale, mustard greens, and lettuce have sedative properties to encourage more sleep. While all are packed with healthy vitamins and minerals, these leafy greens can help with people who struggle with insomnia.