Kale is one of the most nutritionally important vegetables in the world offering vitamins A, K, C, B1, B2, B3, B6 and possessing one of the highest levels of lutein of all vegetables. Lutein is invaluable when it comes to eye health as it guards against cataracts and macular degeneration. A fascinating aspect is - lutein is a strong contributor in forming the yellow pigment of the retina, which absorbs blue light a harmful component of sunlight. Lutein also helps protect against clogging of the carotid arteries in the neck, an indication of atherosclerosis, the disease that leads to most heart attacks.
Other health benefits of Kale include:
. Total body detoxification
. Anti-oxidant support
. Helps manage diabetes
. Supports weight loss
. Treats anemia
Kale is a descendent of wild cabbage and has been grown and been eaten for nearly 4,000 years. It is a very hearty plant that fairs well in cold that keeps growing after several frosts. It can survive when temperatures fall 10 below zero Fahrenheit, allowing one to pick the leaves as needed throughout winter. Many scientists posit that we experienced much colder temperatures from 1300 to 1850; it becomes evident why such a robust nutrient dense plant has played such an import role throughout the ages.
Other than its amazing health benefits, let’s take a look at why kale is the sweetheart of the yoga, meditation and ancient philosophy set. On a vibrational level this plant firmly supports their process!
Kale – Offers instruction in ‘remembrance,’ passing on skills, wisdom and ancestral knowledge. Also teaches one how to use this information in new ways. This is a combination of being a receptive and porous student, gleaning family history, your own cellular remembering and finally offering the information and understanding you have collated together: the proper wheel of life.
An aspect of this is being able to clearly articulate your thoughts, being a receptive listener, fruitful debates of ideas and exploring these concepts with others. These qualities together make for a very good teacher and student indeed!
Here is a delightful and easy way to bring the gifts of Kale into your life
Braised Kale and White Beans
4 tbsp olive oil, plus more for drizzling
4 cloves of garlic sliced thinly
2 pinches of red pepper flakes
1 bunch kale
1 cup canned white beans drained and rinsed
1 lemon cut into wedges
Prepare your kale by ripping the leaves from the stalk, break into bite size pieces, then snap the stalk into1 inch pieces.
In a large fry pan over medium heat, warm 2 tbsp of olive oil, kale stalks, pinch of red pepper and squeeze of lemon and sauté 3-5 minutes. Add remaining items and a squeeze of lemon, ½ water or broth, bring to a simmer, cover and braise until kale is tender and the liquid is thickened about 5 - 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, drizzle with olive oil, serve with the remaining lemon wedges.
As you enjoy this meal remember you are receiving both the subtle and physical gifts of this remarkable plant.
If you would like to work with the subtle energy of Kale more than you can incorporate into your diet, I have made a beautiful Kale Vibrational Essence
Normally $18. Now $16
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Candice Covington is the author of Essential Oils in Spiritual Practice, former instructor at Ashmead College in Ayurvedic theory and aromatherapy, she is an aromatherapist for the Chopra Center. The founder of Divine Archetypes, an essential oil and flower essence company. An avid cook and forager, she lives on a farmette in Oregon City, Oregon with her partner, ducks, and many plants, cultivated and wild. This article is based off her upcoming book You Are What You Eat: A Vibrational Cookbook to be published by Inner Traditions.
(c) Content contained in this blog is the sole and copyrighted material of Inner Traditions and Candice Covington, and may not be reproduced or adapted for any reason without express consent of author and publisher