Beauty Benefits of Kale

No matter how much cleanser you use, lotion you apply, and shine mist you spray, the health of your hair, skin, and nails will always reflect the quality of food you put in your body. Super-foods are nutrient-rich foods that are the ultimate beauty products. Kale, the trendiest item on the super-food list, is vitamin and antioxidant heavy, and adding it into your diet has many beauty benefits.

Kale contains a high concentration of vitamin A, C, and K, as well as fiber, magnesium, and calcium. Your skin benefits from these nutrients and vitamins because they help with skin regeneration which fights the effects of aging and sun damage. The beta-carotene and lutein found in this leafy green also work to improve skin elasticity and firmness. Having strong hair and nails depends a lot on proper diet and the amount of nutrients you intake. The wide variety of vitamins and antioxidants found in kale helps prevent hair breakage and dullness, as well as nail chipping and peeling.

Unfortunately, not all of us are like Wolfgang Puck in the kitchen; for those who lack the chef’s ability, there are some easy kale recipes that allow you to get all the beauty benefits from this super-food. The easiest recipe that even I can follow is the directions for making kale chips. Simply slice the leaves into manageable, bite-size pieces, place them on a cookie sheet, drizzle some olive oil, and sprinkle with a little salt. Bake the chips for about 10 to 15 minutes at 350 degrees.

Refinery 29 gave a recipe for a kale smoothie that manages to be quite tasty despite its less than appealing, green sludge appearance. Their recipe includes a few other food items that are laden with nutrients which also work to serve your beauty needs. To get this smoothie, mix the following ingredients in a blender: 4 0z. water, 4 oz. unsweetened almond milk, 1⁄2 frozen banana, 1 cup kale, 1 tbs. coconut oil, 1 tbs. shredded unsweetened coconut, and 2 to 4 ice cubes.

If these recipes aren’t for you and you are looking for something with a little kick, check out the kale cocktail which may contain a little less nutrients and beauty benefits but a lot more fun.
 
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