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Kale Benefits (Ayurveda Insights)
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Table of Contents

How Does This Ayurvedic Food Improve Wellness?

CONSTITUTIONAL MEDICINE INSIGHTS

Recipes with Kale: Kale & White Beans with Garlic & Red Pepper Flakes
Recipes with Kale: Kale & White Beans with Garlic & Red Pepper Flakes
Kale is one of our favorite greens for high Pitta and Kapha. Unlike spinach, it is cooling for pitta. Fiber and bitter taste stimulate peristalsis, encouraging regular elimination of the bowels. Bitter taste also improves the flow of bile, reducing gallbladder and liver congestion. Bile also stores blood born toxins after they are neutralized by the liver. Flushing bile releases these toxins from the body. It is an excellent cleansing spring tonic.

Raw brassicas contain chemicals that can block thyroid function called goitrogens. These chemicals are easily inactivated by steaming or cooking. High vitamin K in Kale can induce clotting for at risk individuals and could interact with blood thinning medications.

About Kale

Start with lacinto kale if regular Kale is too bitter but make sure you eventually switch over to the real stuff.

Cooking Kale

For Vata, kale should be cooked until the leaves are very soft to break down hard-to-digest fibers. Add a bit of coconut oil to Kale if you are underweight to avoid depletion. For Kapha, Kale may be juiced or parboiled.

Buying & Preparation

Kale comes in many varieties. Lacinto is a sweet kale void of Kale's healing bitter taste. Red kale may be higher in iron and beta carotene. Avoid leaves that appear too dry or wilted. Strip kale of the central vein by sliding your fingers from the base to the tip. Where the tip breaks off, the vein is soft enough to be cooked.

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Is Kale a Good Match for My Body?

Find out by taking this free, easy quiz. You'll learn your body type, and whether 'Kale' is a good fit. Complete the basic quiz in 1 minute, or go deeper with additional quizzes at your own leisure to learn more about your body.

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Constitutional nutrition is tailored to the individual. In the kitchen, especially during your family’s formative years, you shape your family's lifelong health.

Understanding your child's constitution is key to raising resilience, instead of wiring in disease. Study constitutional medicine to discover the keys to personalized nourishment.

Rooted in the insights curated from Ayurveda and Greek medicine, constitutional medicine teaches you which foods match your body, so you and your family have true vitality, strength, and balance. See How it Works.

Medicinal Effects of Kale

Constitutional nutrition systems use biocharacteristics to classify the metabolic nature of food, herbs, lifestyle choices, your body, and disease.

METABOLIC NATURE / BIOCHARACTERISTICS

Metabolic Nature / Biocharacteristics

Ayurveda assesses metabolic imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (vital qualtiies). Aggravating them weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which biocharacteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct metabolic imbalances before you get sick. Every biocharacteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite biocharacteristic.

Find Out More

COLD

ABOUT COLD BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.

LEARN MORE ABOUT COLD

DRY

ABOUT DRY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DRY

LIGHT

ABOUT LIGHT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Lightness is identified by reduced weight.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIGHT

LIQUEFIED

ABOUT LIQUEFIED BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Substances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIQUEFIED

CLEAR

ABOUT CLEAR BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CLEAR

EASY

ABOUT EASY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Easy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.

LEARN MORE ABOUT EASY

MOBILE

ABOUT MOBILE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Mobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MOBILE

TASTES

The 6 Tastes

Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?

Find Out More

BITTER

ABOUT BITTER BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Bitter taste has cholagogue action - it is cold, clear, light, and stimulating. It increases digestive enzymes and is laxative, and drying.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BITTER

ASTRINGENT

ABOUT ASTRINGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Astringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ASTRINGENT

AYURVEDA BODY TYPES (DOSHAS)

The Three Doshas / Body Types

Ayurveda is a metabolic theory of medicine that explains individual health, tendencies, and disease patterns through the concept of doshas, which can be understood as your metabolic patterns and tendencies.

Each dosha reflects a distinct metabolic nature and describes strengths & weaknesses in bodily function, and how these affect energy levels, digestion, susceptibility to disease, and many other tendencies.

Your metabolic nature not only affects your physical characteristics, but also influences your mental thought patterns, confidence, and enthusiasm.

Ayurveda balances these metabolic strengths & weaknesses to support your body's vitality and prevent recurrent disease cycles. This support is a critical aid, especially in chronic or incurable disease conditions.

The 3 metabolic body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha).

Through dosha, Ayurveda empowers people to identify metabolic imbalances early, break repetitive patterns of disease, and cultivate habits that support long-term vitality and well-being.

Ultimately, these metabolic patterns also provide a framework for understanding yourself, including body, mind, and spiritual tendencies.

Find Out More

PACIFIES
Kapha pacifying Pitta pacifying
AGGRAVATES
Vata aggravating

GREEK MEDICINE / TEMPERAMENTS

The Four Temperaments / Humors

Ayurveda & Greek Medicine were the dominant form of medicine along the Silk Road from England to China and South Asia. They work by assessing your metabolic type, patterns, and nature. Greek medicine recognizes 4 metabolic temperaments, Melancholic, Choleric, Sanguine, and Phlegmatic.

Find Out More

PACIFIES
CHOLERIC

ABOUT CHOLERIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Has a hot and dry metabolic nature. Enthusiastic, vibrant and bright. In excess burns up fluids and ojas, irritable. Corresponds to high bilirubin in the blood that irritates and heats up the body and liver.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHOLERIC

PHLEGMATIC

ABOUT PHLEGMATIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

A Phlegmatic has a cold and wet metabolic nature. The coldness implies a slow metabolism, the moisture that you are well-nourished. Phlegmatics tend towards sluggishness and thickened fluids, including mucus.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PHLEGMATIC

SANGUINE

ABOUT SANGUINE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

A hot and oily nature with a moderate metabolism and a well nourished body makes Sanguine individuals vigorous, vivacious, outgoing and generous, and prone to impulsivity and self indulgence. Bullish and intense when out of balance.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SANGUINE

AGGRAVATES
MELANCHOLIC

ABOUT MELANCHOLIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold and dry with a slow, variable or erratic metabolism. Colicky, tense. Withdrawn, pensive, anxious, and hesitant. Analytical, intelligent, detail oriented and creative. Prone to ojas depletion, dehydration, an overactive nervous system, and depression.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MELANCHOLIC

Other Health Virtues

Moves Energy:
Downward

DOWNWARD

Downward-moving (Adho Gati Marga) substances move food downward in the GI tract, settle the nervous system, and relax muscles.

SEE ALL 'DOWNWARD' FOODS / HERBS

,
Inward

INWARD

Inward moving substances promote introspection, self reflection, stillness, or slow the system down.

SEE ALL 'INWARD' FOODS / HERBS

Tissue (dhatu):
Red Blood

RED-BLOOD

Red blood (Rakta Dhatu) includes red blood cells and blood vessels.

SEE ALL 'RED-BLOOD' FOODS / HERBS

Family:
Brassicaceae

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Kale
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

(see all)
Digestion:
Appetite Suppressant

APPETITE-SUPPRESSANT

Suppresses hunger without causing weight gain.

SEE ALL 'APPETITE-SUPPRESSANT' FOODS / HERBS

,
Stimulates Peristalsis

STIMULATES-PERISTALSIS

An herb that promotes involuntary smooth muscle contractions to facilitate the movement of food and waste through the digestive tract.

SEE ALL 'STIMULATES-PERISTALSIS' FOODS / HERBS

Cleanse & Detox:
Internal Detoxicant

INTERNAL-DETOXICANT

Liquefies, dissolves, decongests or dislodges internal stagnant toxins. Decongests the lymphatic system.

SEE ALL 'INTERNAL-DETOXICANT' FOODS / HERBS

Energy Vitality:
Stimulates Energy

STIMULATES-ENERGY

This category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbs.

SEE ALL 'STIMULATES-ENERGY' FOODS / HERBS

Immune System:
Anti Inflammatory

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.

SEE ALL 'ANTI-INFLAMMATORY' FOODS / HERBS

Heart & Circulation:
Alterative

ALTERATIVE

Restores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.

SEE ALL 'ALTERATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Liver & Gallbladder:
Cholagogue

CHOLAGOGUE

Cholagogues stimulate the production & release of bile from the liver & gallbladder. This refreshes and cleanses these organs, as well as increases bile in the small intestines.

SEE ALL 'CHOLAGOGUE' FOODS / HERBS

Weight Loss:
Hypolipidemic

HYPOLIPIDEMIC

Scrapes fats / cleanses blood vessels by 1) purging bile, 2) strengthening the liver's ability to metabolize fats, 3) by increasing uptake of cholesterol in the liver, and 4) by inhibiting fat cells.

SEE ALL 'HYPOLIPIDEMIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Lowers Blood Sugar

LOWERS-BLOOD-SUGAR

An herb that lowers blood sugar.

SEE ALL 'LOWERS-BLOOD-SUGAR' FOODS / HERBS

,
Lowers Thyroid

LOWERS-THYROID

Reduces thyroid function. Useful for people with hyperthyroid.

SEE ALL 'LOWERS-THYROID' FOODS / HERBS

Reproductive Health:
Anti Estrogenic

ANTI-ESTROGENIC

Reduces estrogen, which reduces thickness of the uterus endometrium, pelvic congestive disorders like fibroids, and frequently dysmenorrhea as well.

SEE ALL 'ANTI-ESTROGENIC' FOODS / HERBS

Bone & Joint:
Chelates

CHELATES

Binds to toxins such as heavy metals making them more soluble for elimination by the body.

SEE ALL 'CHELATES' FOODS / HERBS

Other:
Constituents:
Nitric Oxide

STRONG NITRIC-OXIDE

Improves circulation by dilating blood vessels. Protects blood vessels from damage. Improves athletic performance, libido, immunity, and brain health.

SEE ALL 'NITRIC-OXIDE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Aromatase Inhibitor

AROMATASE-INHIBITOR

Blocks estrogen synthesis by inhibiting conversion of progesterone and testosterone into estrogen.

SEE ALL 'AROMATASE-INHIBITOR' FOODS / HERBS

,
Calcium

CALCIUM

Calcium nourishes bones and muscles. A muscle cell is activated when calcium enters the cell. It relaxes when the calcium is secreted.

SEE ALL 'CALCIUM' FOODS / HERBS

,
Flavonoids

FLAVONOIDS

Flavonoids are a colorful type of polyphenol. As all polyphenols, they have a strong antioxidant effect. Many flavonoids have an anti-inflammatory, and/or antiallergen effect.

SEE ALL 'FLAVONOIDS' FOODS / HERBS

, Insoluble Fiber,
Polyphenols

POLYPHENOLS

Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants seen in many fruits and vegetables. There are more than 8,000 types.

SEE ALL 'POLYPHENOLS' FOODS / HERBS

, Potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K

Foods with a Similar Nature to Kale

  • Dandelion Leaves

    Dandelion Leaves has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Appetite-suppressant, Internal-detoxicant, Stimulates-peristalsis, Anti-estrogenic, Cholagogue, Lowers-blood-sugar, Anti-inflammatory, Hypolipidemic, Stimulates-energy

    LEARN MORE

  • Brussels sprouts

    Brussels sprouts has these Actions in Common

    Anti-estrogenic, Chelates, Lowers-thyroid, Anti-inflammatory, Hypolipidemic, Stimulates-energy, Alterative, Appetite-suppressant, Lowers-blood-sugar

    LEARN MORE

  • Broccoli

    Broccoli has these Actions in Common

    Hypolipidemic, Appetite-suppressant, Lowers-blood-sugar, Anti-estrogenic, Chelates, Lowers-thyroid, Anti-inflammatory

    LEARN MORE

  • Mustard Greens

    Mustard Greens has these Actions in Common

    Cholagogue, Lowers-blood-sugar, Hypolipidemic, Lowers-thyroid, Appetite-suppressant, Internal-detoxicant, Stimulates-peristalsis

    LEARN MORE

  • Burdock Root (Gobo)

    Burdock Root (Gobo) has these Actions in Common

    Anti-estrogenic, Hypolipidemic, Anti-inflammatory, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Cholagogue, Lowers-blood-sugar

    LEARN MORE

  • Aloe Vera Juice / Gel

    Aloe Vera Juice / Gel has these Actions in Common

    Appetite-suppressant, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Cholagogue, Lowers-blood-sugar, Anti-inflammatory, Hypolipidemic

    LEARN MORE

  • Cilantro

    Cilantro has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Hypolipidemic, Chelates, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Cholagogue, Stimulates-energy

    LEARN MORE

  • Endive

    Endive has these Actions in Common

    Cholagogue, Lowers-blood-sugar, Alterative, Hypolipidemic, Anti-inflammatory, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Red Leaf Lettuce

    Red Leaf Lettuce has these Actions in Common

    Hypolipidemic, Stimulates-peristalsis, Alterative, Lowers-blood-sugar, Cholagogue, Stimulates-energy

    LEARN MORE

  • Coffee

    Coffee has these Actions in Common

    Appetite-suppressant, Lowers-thyroid, Cholagogue, Stimulates-energy, Internal-detoxicant, Stimulates-peristalsis

    LEARN MORE

Herbs & Supplements with a Similar Nature to Kale

  • Dandelion Root

    Dandelion Root has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Anti-estrogenic, Anti-inflammatory, Cholagogue, Hypolipidemic, Internal-detoxicant, Lowers-blood-sugar

    LEARN MORE

  • Neem Leaf

    Neem Leaf has these Actions in Common

    Internal-detoxicant, Lowers-blood-sugar, Alterative, Anti-estrogenic, Anti-inflammatory, Cholagogue, Hypolipidemic

    LEARN MORE

  • Punarnava

    Punarnava has these Actions in Common

    Internal-detoxicant, Lowers-blood-sugar, Stimulates-energy, Alterative, Anti-inflammatory, Cholagogue, Hypolipidemic

    LEARN MORE

  • Guggulu

    Guggulu has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Hypolipidemic, Internal-detoxicant, Lowers-blood-sugar, Stimulates-energy, Alterative

    LEARN MORE

  • Yellow Dock

    Yellow Dock has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Anti-inflammatory, Cholagogue, Internal-detoxicant, Lowers-blood-sugar

    LEARN MORE

  • Bhumyamalaki

    Bhumyamalaki has these Actions in Common

    Cholagogue, Hypolipidemic, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Anti-inflammatory

    LEARN MORE

  • Guduchi

    Guduchi has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Anti-inflammatory, Cholagogue, Internal-detoxicant, Lowers-blood-sugar

    LEARN MORE

  • Shilajit Tonic

    Shilajit Tonic has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Hypolipidemic, Internal-detoxicant, Lowers-blood-sugar, Stimulates-energy

    LEARN MORE

  • Calendula, Marigold

    Calendula, Marigold has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Anti-inflammatory, Cholagogue, Hypolipidemic, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Yarrow

    Yarrow has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Anti-estrogenic, Anti-inflammatory, Cholagogue, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Eleuthero Ginseng

    Eleuthero Ginseng has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Hypolipidemic, Internal-detoxicant, Lowers-blood-sugar, Stimulates-energy

    LEARN MORE


Joyful Belly is a recognized college of biocharacteristics medicine.

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Kale may temper these symptoms. The suitability of any food for a condition is highly dependent on the individual and constitution. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

CONTRAINDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Kale may be harmful or contraindicated for these symptoms. Note this is not a complete list of all possible contraindications. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

Herb Drug Interaction Risk

Here are some potential herb drug interactions with Kale. Please see your health care provider for more information.

View other ingredients
for Spring

Kale is recommended for Spring. Check out these other Spring foods here.
VIEW ALL SPRING FOODS MORE FOODS FOR PITTA / KAPHA MAIN INGREDIENT PAGE

Constitutional Nutrition: Strengthen Your Health Naturally

When your dietary choices align with your individual nature (constitution), it supports your metabolism, energy, and health naturally. A personalized diet, fitting to your constitution, leverages your natural strengths while gently supporting your body where it's vulnerable.

Constitutional nutrition is especially beneficial for digestion, a foundational pillar of health influencing your entire well-being. Balanced digestion fortifies your body's natural defenses against illness and enhances your resilience when illness does arise. A healthy digestive fire (*agni*) eases discomfort, speeds recovery, and naturally uplifts your mood.

By embracing constitutional nutrition, you will soon experience a profound sense of renewal, vitality, and inner strength.

CONTINUE READING

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About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle through constitutional nutrition (Ayurveda & Greek Medicine). His approach is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's hobbies & specialties include advanced digestive disorders, medieval Catholic philosophy, & botany. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. John, his wife Natalie and their 8 kids live in Asheville, NC

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Comments & Questions About 'Kale'

Do you like 'kale'? Why or why not? What makes it unique? Is there something else you'd like to know about 'kale'?

(5.00 out of 5 stars) 1 rating, 440 likes
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Pallavi Paurav
2012-09-05
“kale is so rich in nutrients I am tempt to try Kale. but I am Vata and imbalanced too. just cooking kale is good for Vata or should I add spices to make it more Vata friendly. which spices ?"
Like Reply
John J Immel Asheville, NC
2012-10-01
“Dried Kale chips can aggravate Vata. However, kale cooked until it's soft, with coconut oil, raisins, and ginger will be oily and warm enough to nourish Vata. Bitter taste, as long as it doesn't cause depletion, is actually Vata pacifying because it helps to stimulate and clean the intestines."
Like Reply
espringf Chelsea, MI
2014-10-29
“How similar are kale and the tender Asian greens like bok choi and tatsoi?"
Like Reply
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