Move over, lettuce: there’s a new leafy king in town. Kale was once considered a less desirable vegetable due to its low price and high accessibility. Fortunately, such stigmas are gone today and your body can reap the health benefits. Here are just a few of the many reasons to make kale a staple in your diet:

Kale contains more vitamin C than oranges
Kale is the undisputed champion when it comes to vitamin C content, beating out even citrus fruits like the orange. A one-cup serving contains more than your recommended daily intake of this crucial antioxidant, which also hydrates the body and boosts your metabolism.

Kale contains more iron than beef
One of the things that people who are cutting back on meat (or avoiding it entirely) have to worry about is getting enough iron. This mineral is a critical part of hemoglobin; the substance in our blood that carries oxygen throughout the body. But per calorie, kale has more iron than even beef, making it easy to get your daily supply without a second thought.

Kale is great for the eyes
An excellent source of vitamin A, kale helps to promote sight and overall eye health. This nutrient lowers the risk of vision problems, like cataracts and macular degeneration, and may even offer some relief to those with existing issues.

Kale supports skin health
The rich blend of vitamins A, C, and K found in kale work together to promote flawless skin. Vitamin A promotes healthy cell growth and repairs underlying tissues; vitamin C is important for collagen synthesis and keeps skin elastic and wrinkle-free; and vitamin K aids in blood flow and damage/irritant repair. The end result? Healthy skin and a powerful glow.

Kale builds strong bones
Milk is well known for its calcium content, but kale boasts even higher levels. Furthermore, kale is jam-packed with vitamin K, a nutrient that the body requires to make effective use of calcium. Getting plenty of both in your diet will help keep bones strong and resilient, while preventing calcification elsewhere in the body.

Kale boosts your immune system
Kale is brilliant for your immune system. It contains high levels of antioxidants and resistance against infectious agents. A regular consumption of kale improves the production of white blood cells in the body, which helps against viruses and bacteria.

Kale promotes weight loss
For all the vitamins and healthy goodness found in kale, it’s quite remarkable that this leafy green is actually 80% water. Combine this with the fiber that it contains and you’ve got a recipe for a veggie that will keep you full for hours. And because kale is entirely fat-free, it’s super-low in calories and almost impossible to go overboard with. Munch away!

Kale fights cancer
Kale prevents the growth of cancerous formations. It lowers the growth of cancer cells and promotes the production of cancer destroying enzymes. Fiber from kale cleans the large intestine of collected waste (including cancer-causing toxins, to which it binds itself as it passes).

With so many incredible benefits, who could resist chowing down? Soon you’ll be shouting it from the rooftops: “All hail kale!”

SOURCES:

Health.com
WebMD.com
OrganicAuthority.com
Healthline.com
UMM.edu
LifeExtension.com