Kale is know for its anti-inflammatory properties, especially thanks to its high concentration of Vitamin K. And while inflammation can manifest (in good and bad ways) in many different systems in the body, one way that isn't good at all is the chronic inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis.
So, is "superfood" kale one way to combat the painful effects of arthritis?
According to WebMD, Kale is a rich in nutrients that help with joint health, including beta-carotene (which becomes Vitamin A in the body) and Vitamin C, along with calcium which encourages with bone strength.
The Arthritis Foundation recommends kale as part of "The Ultimate Kale Diet," again because of its richness in Vitamin K. According to the article, research shows that vegetables rich in Vitamin K can "dramatically reduce inflammation markers in the blood."
In another story at the Arthritis Foundation, The Best Foods for Arthritis, kale is again heralded for its cell-protecting antioxidants "like vitamins A, C and K, which protect cells from free-radical damage."
The Skinny Chef, in her story "Superfood for Arthritis" specifies kale and other leafy greens because of their "powerful detoxifying compounds like sulforaphane — a major detox agent, especially important for your liver which may also slow or even stop problem enzymes that trigger rheumatoid arthritis."
She then gives kale another shout-out in that same article, noting that "kale also happens to be high in a vital preventative compound called beta-cryptoxanthin, a carotenoid" which she says "may keep inflammation-related disorders including rheumatoid arthritis from developing."
Finally, Everyday Health they document "superfoods" for fighting arthritis—for reasons mentioned, kale stands all alone at number 5.
Sounds like kale could be a winner in this fight for less pain and easier days.
If you'd like an easy way to add kale to your diet every day, try Bilal's EasyKale®