Build Your Bones with Kale

Fruits and vegetables perform so many important tasks in the body, including building bone. One of the most powerful bone-building veggies? Kale. This leafy-green vegetable is readily available in most grocery stores. Even organic, it's fairly inexpensive--and, if you are so inclined, it's not too hard to grow yourself either.

Kale is available in flat, curly, and even purple varieties--all of which are great for your bones. This veggie is alkalizing and surprisingly versatile. Whether you feel like eating it juiced, steamed, sauteed, stir-fried, or baked, it will add bright color and valuable nutrients to many dishes.

Why is kale so good for you? One cup of cooked kale has an astounding 1,062 micrograms of Vitamin K--more than 1,300% of the recommended daily value. Why is this important? Ample research supports Vitamin K's role in bone health. It regulates osteoclast production (in conjunction with Vitamin D), making it an important part of healthy bone remodeling.

Kale is also a great source of these bone-healthy nutrients:

  • Vitamin C
  • Manganese
  • Vitamin A
  • Copper
  • Calcium
  • Vitamin B6
  • Iron
  • Potassium
Pick up some kale on your next shopping trip--your bones will thank you!