“Eat your greens” is a phrase we’ve heard all our lives. Whether it be spinach, broccoli or cabbage, as a kid, numerous turned up noses have tryed swallowing the green stuff. Not anymore. Kale chips, decended from wild cabbage, not only are at the top of the healthiest food lists, but can be very tasty as a chip.
There are a multitude of nutritional benefits in kale. Kale can lower cholesterol, help prevent cancer with over 45 flavonoids including quercetin, and has anti-inflammatory effects. It contains plenty of vitamin K plus B vitamins, trace minerals including iron and lots of calcium. Kale chips also have plenty of fiber and are healthy for digestion.
Kale chips’ earthy flavor with a few added spices, especially cayenne, make it a tasty snack, containing very few calories. Low in fat and no sugar, it is perfect for weight loss.
There are several ways to include kale chips to your diet.
Eat kale chips as a snack.
No extra food needed. Kale chips are tasty just by themselves. Usually with a few spices added, they are satisfying for an afternoon snack.
Sprinkle on Salads
Topping a salad with the veggie snack adds plenty of flavor without the calories.
Soups
Adding the healthy snack on top of hot, steaming soup gives a nice crunch and texture.
Salmon Patties
Kale chips blended into salmon patties not only give it color and added nutrition, but actually add a contrasting flavor. Kale, like salmon, contains omega 3’s, essential fatty acids that the body needs for survival.
Eggs
Kale chips work magic on scrambled eggs. Once the eggs are cooked, top the dish with kale chips. The added veggie chip adds color, texture and taste. Kale chips can also be thrown on boiled eggs or deviled eggs.
Casseroles
Instead of using bread crumbs on casseroles, use kale chips to add color and flavor. Also adding the chips to eggplant parmesan or lasagna provides color and texture.
Burritos
Need a change with your burrito? Add some kale chips sprinkled with cayenne. They add extra spice to any burrito.
Pizza
Making pizza at home can be alot of fun. Once the pizza comes out of the oven, try dusting the pie with the crunchy green for added color and pizazz.
Sprinkle on favorite sandwich
Let’s face it. We’ve all been caught placing a potato chip between the bread slices. Instead of potato chips, replace it with kale and add nutritional bennies to the sandwich.
Kale chips can be made at home or are available at healthy food markets.
Sources:
“The Encyclopedia of Healthy Foods”; Michael Murray, N. D.; New York, 2005
whfoods.com
