With my roots in northern Europe, specifically  Scandinavia, I love that I love kale. Kale is a hearty green, a green that is able to grow year round in many climate zones, wilting a bit during a freeze, but bouncing back when the ice releases its grip.

I grow kale

lacinato photo credit: http://www.betseymaedesign.com/index.html

I preach kale

In My Tiny Kitchen

I wear clothing advertising kale

photo credit: http://www.betseymaedesign.com/index.html

This beautiful food is even being promoted by WebMD:

Kale is a Nutritional Powerhouse

One cup of kale contains 36 calories, 5 grams of fiber, and 15% of the daily requirement of calcium and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), 40% of magnesium, 180% of vitamin A, 200% of vitamin C, and 1,020% of vitamin K. It is also a good source of minerals copper, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus.

Kale’s health benefits are primarily linked to the high concentration and excellent source of antioxidant vitamins A, C, and K — and sulphur-containing phytonutrients.

Carotenoids and flavonoids are the specific types of antioxidants associated with many of the anti-cancer health benefits. Kale is also rich in the eye-health promoting lutein and zeaxanthin compounds.

Beyond antioxidants, the fiber content of cruciferous kale binds bile acids and helps lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease, especially when kale is cooked instead of raw.