Kale According to Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, Kale is considered a powerhouse superfood. For Pitta imbalance, it is a favorite because of its cooling nature, unlike spinach.
As Ancient As Man!
While Kale's health benefits are now a hot topic and a favorite on anyone's plate, it actually is one of the first vegetables farmed by man. It was a favorite for ancient Greeks and Romans to cultivate this plant, and it was the British who transported kale and collards to America, sometime in the late 1600s. From the nineteenth century, to now, Kale has been on the rise as one of the most popular dark leafy greens to add to your plate.
The Qualities of Kale are Endless
The main qualities of Kale are bitter and astringent. In Ayurveda, astringent means cooling and drying qualities. Both bitter and astringent help to detox and make the body feel lighter. While kale is best for Pitta and Kapha individuals, when used right, Vata types can benefit from this nutrient-packed plant as well. It's important to understand that depending on your dosha type (you can find yours here), it is best to understand that when cooking Kale it is best served according to your dosha.
Add Oil For Vata
Cook your kale until the leaves are soft and easy to break down. The best way to cook them is by sautéing them in a pan, which will add moisture, something Vata needs.
A few tips to help with digestion are to add beneficial spices that are commonly known to help the digestive process such as ginger, cumin, or black pepper. Also, you can cook them in water or in particular coconut oil which will allow for easier absorption through the body. If you can't cook the kale, at least attempt to massage it. What you want to avoid is eating kale raw due to Vata already having dry qualities. Avoid Kale chips or any way of eating kale that is hard on the digestive system. This will cause gas and bloating, which indicates an issue with your digestion.
Steam-It For Pitta
Even though Kale is wonderful for Pitta types, it's important to understand Pitta prefers cooked veggies. Steaming is a great way to have your Kale, but use salt sparingly. You can also cook them in coconut oil, or increase the cooling effect by adding coconut flakes to it.
Anything Goes For Kapha
When it comes to Kapha types and Kale, the options are endless. You can juice, sauté and occasionally even bake kale. However, it is best to minimize salt and oil.
Listen To Your Body
It's important to understand that any food can cause digestion issues, so it's important to really take notice of any reactions you have when eating any food. Kale is a member of the Brassica oleracea family, which also includes cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts. All of the plants in this family have their own benefits, however, they all do tend to cause flatulence or bloating due to the significant amount of raffinose found in them. This is an indigestible sugar that humans don’t have the proper enzymes to break down for digestion.
Of course like any other dark leafy greens, Kale is also loaded with fiber which can increase the movement of waste in the digestive tract, which then could cause diarrhea.
Properties of Kale
GUNAS(nature): Alkalizing, Sattvic
DOSHAS: Kapha/Pitta Balancing
Vata Aggravating
Superpower: Toxin Remover
Tastes: Bitter
Element: Air
Energy: Stimulates Energy
Some of the Benefits:
- High in calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc, and vitamin A, C, E & K
- Better vision, great immunity, glowing skin, and strong bones.
- Bitter taste also improves the flow of bile, reducing gallbladder and liver congestion
- Fiber and bitter taste stimulate peristalsis, encouraging regular elimination of the bowels
- The nutrients help reduce unhealthy cravings
- Natural blood purification helps to maintain a natural alkaline state
- Its strength powers help to fight cancer
- The nutrients help reduce unhealthy cravings
- It lifts the spirits
- It’s packed with fiber that aids in removing toxins and improving digestion
- Unlike spinach, it is cooling for pitta
- Low in calories, and high in nutrients - a good choice for weight loss
- Kale is the most nutritious of all greens