kale growing in the field

Kale: Whole Food Profile

Written by:

WholisticMatters


Kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. viridis) is a cruciferous vegetable associated with production of detoxification enzymes, antioxidant properties, anti-microbial, and anti-carcinogenic activity. Kale is a staple vegetable in healthy diets that contain glucosinolates and a concentrated punch of essential nutrients.

Key Nutrients

Percentages shown as %DV per dry serving of 2.18g kale (equal to 1 cup raw chopped)

Key Phytonutrients

Carotenoids

Yellow and green antioxidants with anti-cancer potential and may lower risk of macular degeneration

  • Beta-carotene (4.626 mcg/g)**
  • Lutein (38.4 mcg/g)**

Chlorophyll

Green pigment in plants with potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial activity 

Lignans

Polyphenolic compounds metabolized by gut bacteria that support antioxidant activity

Myrosinase

Enzyme found in plant tissue that initiates conversion of glucosinolates to bioactive isothiocyanates

Glucosinolates

Sulfur-containing secondary metabolites found in cruciferous vegetables, associated with antioxidant activity such as cardio-protection and detoxification support.

Flavonols

Promote antioxidant activity and vascular health

  • Kaempferol (267.4 mcg/g)*
  • Quercetin(77.1 mcg/g)*

Total Phenolic Content

Packed with polyphenols and flavonoids, the total phenolic content in kale supports liver function, helps regulate endocrine activity, and promotes digestion through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways.

  • Total Phenolics 8mg/g**

*Data is mean values from Phenol-Explorer Database1

**Data on file with WholisticMatters. Values subject to change based on strain and experimental methods

 

Did you know WholisticMatters is powered by Standard ProcessLearn more about Standard Process’ whole food-based nutrition philosophy.

 
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REFERENCES

Rothwell, J.A., et al., Phenol-Explorer 3.0: a major update of the Phenol-Explorer database to incorporate data on the effects of food processing on polyphenol content. Database, 2013. 2013: p. bat070-bat070.