Kale salads, kale chips, kale smoothies — the recipes for kale are endless. But what makes the ingredient a favorite for every dish? The incredible kale benefits for skin and hair. While healthy skincare and haircare routines carry their own importance, altering your diet to include beneficial foods that can give you a natural and beautiful glow is equally essential. So why not add something delicious and versatile, like the nutritious leafy vegetable kale?
Different Types of Kale
Kale grows in different types, allowing flexibility with the choices of consumption. The best part? All 4 types offer a delectable taste and similar benefits.
Curly Kale
This is one of the most famous types that comes in purple, dark green, and light green. The tight, curly edges and peppery flavor make it a perfect choice for salads. It can also be roasted, blanched, boiled, or eaten raw. Remember, kale does not lose nutrients even after being cooked.
Redbor Kale
The high amount of antioxidants in redbor kale gives it a deep purple color (similar to blueberries). Its flavor is similar to cabbage and can be cooked or consumed raw. Tip: Cooking redbor kale will make it lose its color, but the sweet flavor will shine through.
Lacinato Kale
Also known as dino kale, lacinato kale is native to Italy and has pebbly skin with a deep green color and elongated leaves. The stems are soft and thin, so they can be enjoyed with the sweet and mild taste of the leaves.
Red Russian Kale
Red Russian kale has a bright red stem and dark green leaves. For those who like eating kale raw, the mild, earthy, and nutty flavor of this kale type will make you fall in love. Opt for young leaves and strip off the stems to enjoy the best taste.
Benefits of Kale for Skin and Hair
From practicing an effective shower routine to meditating and sleeping well, you’ve probably tested multiple ways to rejuvenate and maintain healthy skin and hair. But have you tried creating and following a diet that includes ingredients essential for skin and hair?
If you’ve already got a meal plan for a clean eating schedule or are starting from scratch, kale is a powerful addition that can definitely level up the game. So stick with us as we unfold the benefits of kale for skin and hair!
Loaded with Nutrients
Only one cup (or 27 grams) of kale is enough to enrich your body, as it contains all the vital nutrients that contribute to glowing skin and healthy hair.
- Vitamin K: 65% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 21% of the DV
- Vitamin A: 7% of the DV
- Calcium: 5% of the DV
Paired with all the skin-healthy benefits, kale is super low in calories (one cup contains only 7g), meaning you can retrieve all the kale benefits for skin without gaining extra pounds.
Packed with Antioxidants
Antioxidants protect the skin from oxidative damage done by free radicals. Kale is packed with all the essential antioxidants, including beta-carotene, vitamin C, and other polyphenols and flavonoids, to detoxify the body and ensure glowing skin.
Rich in Vitamin A, C, and K
Vitamins A, C, and K all contribute to giving the skin a radiant and flawless appearance, and each of them is found in the nutrient profile of kale.
Vitamin A
- Prevents early aging
- Protects against the Sun
- Promotes smooth cell regeneration
- Reduces wrinkles
- Controls acne
Vitamin C
- Minimizes damage from UV rays
- Defends against pigmentation
- Stimulates collagen production
- Treats eczema
- Improves the texture of the skin
Vitamin K
- Stimulates scar healing
- Prevents collagen degradation
- Promotes good health of blood vessels
- Keeps the skin plump and smooth
- Fights acne
Promotes Detoxification
Kale detoxifies your body from all the nasty toxins entering through artificial fragrances and pollution. It keeps your cholesterol levels in check, which, in turn, maintains a healthy liver. What’s more, the alkaline properties cleanse the blood, and the Omega-3 fatty acids cleanse the brain and reduce anxiety. With such effective detoxification, your skin will experience improved suppleness and better resilience.
Boosts Collagen Production
Kale contains lutein — a key component of speeding up collagen production. This process strengthens your skin and gives it a “fuller” appearance. It also keeps the skin hydrated and slows down aging.
Offers Benefits for Hair
- Vitamin A improves sebum production for better hair elasticity.
- Vitamin K prevents hair loss.
- Antioxidants protect the hair against Sun damage.
- Vitamin C boosts collagen for improved hair health.
Kale Benefits for Weight Loss
Apart from the benefits of kale for skin, the nutritious vegetable serves as a great ingredient in a weight-loss diet. Kale is rich in iron, which promotes metabolism to help lose belly fat and is packed with fiber, which keeps you feeling full for longer. It is also very hydrating (containing about 89% water), helping you shed a few extra pounds. Not to forget, it is super low in calories, so you’re sure to enjoy a delicious kale recipe without exceeding your daily calorie intake.
FAQs
Does kale prevent wrinkles?
Yes, kale promotes young skin by reducing wrinkles. The high amount of vitamin A and vitamin E boosts collagen production to gift your skin with a smoother and healthier texture.
Does kale clear skin?
Yes, kale is the secret to glass skin, as it carries all the essential vitamins and minerals required to close pores, hydrate skin, and reduce final lines.
Does kale make your skin glow?
Yes, kale gives your skin a glow that shines from within. This is because it is loaded with Vitamin C — the secret to reducing dark spots, repairing sun damage, and brightening the skin tone.
Is kale good for your skin?
Absolutely. Kale does wonders for your skin. While applying creams and using face rollers can surely help, consuming something as nutritious as kale can give your skin a transformation you’ve never experienced before.
Final Words
The recipes for kale are endless, so you’ll get to enjoy the benefits of kale for skin in the most exciting and mouthwatering ways out there!
