KALE KRAZE

"They say everything can be replaced." 

--Bob Dylan

In fact, there are no nutrients, vitamins, proteins, or minerals that cannot be obtained from plant foods! So much of eating a raw vegan diet is eliminating all of the processed, nutrient-depleted, pesticide-ridden, cancer-causing foods that you may have once been oblivious (or simply indifferrent) to, BUT learning about, trying, and reaping the benefits from all the vegetables, herbs, and super-foods found naturally in the earth that not only replace, but exponentially exceed the nutritional value of what you may have previously deemed "food" is the most exciting part to me!!
I have yet to make up my mind about my own mother's unwavering doubt about raw food as being a blessing or a curse. Today, it has inspired me to write this, so I can appreciate it. Aside from protein, one of the most common concerns I hear from her is how I am able to obtain enough calcium. Although kale is the right answer to most questions. It is certainly the correct one here. (Among other brassica greens: collard, turnip, and bok choy.)
Adults need approximately 1000 mg of calcium per day and kale has 197 mg of calcium per cup, 42% of which is absorbed into the body, making its calcium content, per calorie, more than that of milk!  So, NO mother, I am not going to get osteoporosis. My bones are only getting stronger!
Not only is kale an excellent source of calcium...

In one cup, it has 5 grams of fiber, it far exceeds daily values of Vitamin K and A, and is high in Vitamin C, and manganese. It also has two types of antioxidants, carotenoids and flavonoids which are extremely important in protecting our bodies from oxidative stress and a slew of health problems.  Furthermore, due to kale's high amount of the omega 3 fatty acid ALA paired with its hefty dose of Vitamin K, it has exceptional anti-inflammatory properties. Did I mention it is also a good source of iron, B6, potassium,  and that it comes in all different colors and varieties...and it's pretty tasty too?! You get the point... It's God's Gift to the World.

Now go replace that jug of milk with a nice big bowl of KALE.

L