Genesis 1:29-30 Then GOD said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beast of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it---I give every green plant for food." And it was so. [New International translation]
BIBLICAL COMMENTS
The first food diet included green plants. Fruit and green plants were to sustain all animal and human life. Before "the Fall" there did not appear to be any eating of meat. Nor was there any killing of animals. Fruit and green plants alone were sufficient for life.
GREEN PLANTS TODAY
Kale
There are numerous articles about the nutritional value of eating Kale. Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD, describes kale as a "Nutritional Powerhouse." According to Zelman:
One cup of kale contains 36 calories, 5 grams of fiber, and 15% of the daily requirement of calcium and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), 40% of magnesium, 180% of vitamin A, 200% of vitamin C, and 1,020% of vitamin K. It is also a good source of minerals copper, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus.
Kale's health benefits are primarily linked to the high concentration and excellent source of antioxidant vitamins A, C, and K -- and sulphur-containing phytonutrients.
Carotenoids and flavonoids are the specific types of antioxidants associated with many of the anti-cancer health benefits. Kale is also rich in the eye-health promoting lutein and zeaxanthin compounds.
See, "The Truth About Kale," by Kathleen M. Zelman, www.WebMD.com. Vitamin K is best known for its role in blood clotting, as an antioxidant (e.g. protecting cells from damage and thus lowering the risk of heart disease and cancer) and bone metabolism. According to Zelman, in addition to kale, Vitamin K can also be found in parsley, collard greens, and spinach. However, if a person is taking anticoagulant medications (e.g. Warfarin also known as Coumadin and by other brand names), too much kale and other greens high in Vitamin K can pose health problems. Zelman suggests that anyone taking heart medicines consult their physician before adding kale to their diet.
Kale vs. Spinach
A number of food writers have labeled kale "the new spinach." Kale salads have become the new culinary rage. In "Kale vs Spinach: Which is Healthier?" Terri Coles makes a nutritional comparison between kale and spinach and end up with the following results:
| NUTRITIONAL VALUE | KALE | SPINACH |
| IRON | 6% of RDI | 5% of RDI |
| FIBER | 1 gram of dietary fiber | 1 gram of dietary fiber |
| VITAMIN A | 206% of RDI | 56% of RDI |
| VITAMIN B6 | 9% of RDI | 3% of RDI |
| VITAMIN C | 80.4 mg or 9% of RDI | 8.43 mg or 1% of RDI |
| VITAMIN K | 684% of RDI | 181% of RDI |
| FOLIC ACID | 5% of RDI | 15% of RDI |
| CALCUIM | 9% of RDI | 3% of RDI |
| COPPER | 10% of RDI | 2% of RDI |
| MAGNESIUM | 26% of RDI | 15% of RDI |
* RDI means Recommended Daily Intake
Looking at the nutritional value of Kale vs. Spinach, according to Coles, while both are very good healthy choices, kale definitely has an edge over spinach.
See, "Kale vs Spinach: Which Is Healthier?" Terri Coles, www.huffington post.com.
If you are looking for kale salad recipes, consider the following websites:
- http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/aarti-sequeira/massaged-kale-salad-recipe.html
- http://www.cookinglight.com/food/recipe-finder/kale-salad-recipes
- http://www.thekitchn.com/a-superfood-salad-10-delicious-kale-salads-172981
FOOD FOR LIFE
Fruit and green plants are still good food for the body. The WORD of GOD is still essential to life.
GOD is still GOD----ALL KNOWING, ALL POWERFUL, ALL LOVING-- ALWAYS.
Today, enjoy a green meal, bask in GOD's LOVE, and Be Blessed.
