Kale? Really, what’s all the hype about kale? Believe it or not, kale has been around for hundreds of years. Kale is a food that has been “rediscovered” and has many health benefits. It is high in vitamins A, C, and E; all of which are antioxidant vitamins, which help protect against heart disease and cancers. One cup of kale has over a 1000% more vitamin C than spinach. In fact, one cup of kale contains 143% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. Kale is also high in the minerals copper, manganese, calcium, iron, and phosphorous. Let’s not forget the fiber found in kale. Just one cup provides 2.6 grams of fiber (adults need approximately 25-30 grams of fiber a day.) Fiber is important for blood sugar control and healthy intestinal elimination. When shopping for kale, look for green, curly leaves. Smaller kale leaves are tender and larger kale leaves are tougher and better suited in soups. Kale should be washed and stored in a plastic bag or container and used as soon as possible after purchasing, as kale will become bitter the longer it is in storage. So don’t forget this practically magic, healthy food when shopping today.