Kale belongs to a plant family that exhibits a high level of Glucosinolates (GSLs), which are responsible for defending against bacteria, fungus and insects. GSLs also have various human health-promoting properties. In particular, one type of GSLs called Glucoraphanin is responsible for the popularity of Kale amongst fanatics of healthy eating. This is because it can react with water to produce a potent anticancer compound.
There are many interesting research articles on Kale. One that was published in the Journal of the Science of Food & Agriculture in 2013 compared leafy kale populations from Italy, Portugal, and Turkey for their bioactive compound contents. Research found that “Portuguese samples showed higher phenolic and GLS amounts than Italian and Turkish kales, whereas some of the Italian samples were the richest in carotenoids”.
It is interesting that in order to utilise all the benefits of Kale we need to consume it crushed, as this is when all defence mechanisms are activated in the plant’s life.

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