by Angela Altomare
Overseas, her name has long been on the shopping list of stars and models. THEl kale, Also known as kale or black cabbage, is one of the health food most loved in Hollywood. They use it as a basis for centrifugati veg e detox smoothie (or they eat it cooked or raw to complement their daily menus) Anne Hathaway, Heidi Klum, Julia Stiles, Beyoncé and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Also cultivated in some country, especially in Tuscany and Apulia, and until some time ago only sold in bulk in flea markets and greengrocers, recently kale is also available on the shelves of supermarket.
Its leaves are found in salad bags, already washed and ready to taste. Sunglasses (Esselunga and K of OrtoRomi) or together with other vegetables and greens, as in the lettuce and baby spinach-based salad of Green Line DimmidiYes or in the one with hemp seeds, cashews, chard, spinach and pea buds of Valfrutta Wellness.
KEEP YOUNG - «Kale is an excellent source of folic acid (useful for the correct development and functioning of the neurological system). It is also very rich in Vitamin C (it contains more than spinach) and beta-carotene, as well as other precious ones antioxidants, such as polyphenols and flavonoids. All substances that stimulate the immune system, fight free radicals, help the body to slow downcellular aging and to prevent various diseases, from cardiovascular ones to tumors», Explains Valentina Galiazzo, nutritionist biologist.
He is an ally of sportsmen - «Rich in water and sali minerals (such as sodium, potassium and magnesium, which regulate the stability of blood pressure and the body's water balance), this vegetable, centrifuged and drunk during physical activity, improves athletic performance, especially when it is hot », explains our expert.
SZIA WITH FEW CALORIES - It is also ideal for those who want to lose weight. «Thanks to the contribution of fibers, regulates intestinal transit, keeps levels of cholesterol and blood sugar and fights hunger attacks », concludes our expert. You can consume it crude (in salad or smoothie) or cooked (baked, boiled, steamed).
TRY TO GROW IT YOURSELF
1. IN THE GARDEN “Kale can be planted from June to October. Prepare the soil: work it with a hoe and rake (removing all the grass first), fertilize it and make small holes in which you will arrange the seedlings. Water often in the first two weeks, then once every 1-3 days regularly, preferably early in the morning or in the evening », explains Vittorio Merli, agronomist.
2. ON THE BALCONY “Get a pot that is 30 centimeters in diameter. Make a first layer of drainage material, then add the topsoil mixed with the manure and settle the kale. Leave it little exposed to light and heat, prefers the shade»Says the expert.
