Whenever the conversation of weight loss and dieting comes up, juicing is always one of the first things to be mentioned. And for good reason – juicing can help you lose weight in a hurry!
But if you’re like most people, you probably think of kale juice as being particularly beneficial for weight loss. Is there any truth to this? Let’s take a closer look at kale juice’s benefits for weight loss and find out.
Spoiler alert: kale juice really can help you lose weight! Keep reading to learn how.
Table of Contents
What is Kale?
Kale is a leafy green vegetable that belongs to the cruciferous family, which also includes broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts.
It is high in fiber and low in calories, making it an excellent addition to any weight loss plan. It’s also a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium.
Top 20 health benefits of Kale juice
Here are the top 20 benefits of drinking kale juice:
1. Low in calories.
One cup of kale juice has just 38 calories, making it a perfect choice for those watching their calorie intake.
2. It can help suppress your appetite.
The high fiber content in kale juice can keep you feeling fuller for longer, curbing your cravings and helping you eat less.
3. It can boost metabolism.
Kale is high in iron, which helps the body convert food into energy more efficiently, leading to a faster metabolism.
4. Aids digestion.
The high fiber content in kale juice helps keep your digestive system running smoothly, helping to prevent constipation and promoting regularity.
5. It can detox the body.
Kale is a powerhouse of antioxidants, which help to rid the body of harmful toxins and protect against disease.
6. Supports heart health.
Kale juice is high in potassium, which helps to lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of heart disease.
7. It can improve brain function.
The antioxidants and phytonutrients found in kale juice can help improve cognitive function and protect against neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
8. It can improve skin health.
The vitamin A in kale helps keep skin smooth and youthful, while the antioxidants can protect against premature aging and wrinkles.
9. It can boost immune function.
Kale is high in Vitamin C, which helps to strengthen the immune system and fight off illness.
10. It can improve bone health.
Kale is high in calcium and vitamin K, both of which are essential for maintaining strong bones and preventing osteoporosis.
11. It can decrease inflammation.
The omega-3 fatty acids found in kale work to decrease inflammation in the body, helping to prevent conditions like arthritis and asthma.
12. It can regulate blood sugar levels.
The high fiber content in kale helps slow the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream, keeping blood sugar levels stable.
13. It can improve eye health.
Kale is rich in carotenoids, which can protect against age-related macular degeneration and improve overall eye health.
14. It can lower cholesterol.
The fiber in kale helps to bind to and remove excess cholesterol from the body, leading to lower cholesterol levels.
15. It is high in protein.
One cup of kale juice has 2 grams of protein, making it a great choice for vegetarians and vegans looking to increase their protein intake.
16. It can improve athletic performance.
The iron in kale helps improve oxygen flow to the muscles, enhancing physical endurance and performance.
17. It reduces the risk of cancer.
The antioxidants and phytonutrients in kale have been shown to aid in the prevention of certain types of cancer, including breast, colon, and prostate.
18. It reduces high blood pressure.
The potassium in kale helps to regulate electrolyte balance and lower high blood pressure.
19. It can improve thyroid function.
Kale is high in iodine, which helps to regulate thyroid function and prevent thyroid disorders.
20. It improves kidney function.
The high levels of vitamin C and potassium in kale help to cleanse the kidneys and improve overall kidney health.
You can read also about kale and cucumber juice benefits.
Why is Kale juice beneficial for weight loss?
- Kale juice can help suppress your appetite and curb cravings.
- Kale juice can boost metabolism and aid digestion.
- Kale is high in fiber, which helps keep you feeling fuller for longer and promotes regularity.
- The antioxidants in kale can detox the body and improve overall health.
- Kale is low in calories and high in nutrients, making it a great addition to a healthy weight loss plan.
These 5 points highlight the potential weight loss benefits of incorporating kale juice into a balanced diet and exercise routine.
However, it is important to remember that no food or drink can magically lead to weight loss on its own; a healthy and active lifestyle is key to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
You can read also about the best time to drink vegetable juice & the benefits of celery and kale juice mix.
How to make Kale juice?
- Wash and chop your kale, removing any tough stems.
- Add the chopped kale to a juicer or blender with your choice of fruits and/or vegetables (such as apple, cucumber, celery, and ginger).
- Juice or blend until smooth and enjoy! You can also add a squeeze of lemon or lime for extra flavor.
- For a green smoothie, add the kale juice to a blender with your choice of milk or yogurt and blend until smooth. Enjoy!
- You can also try adding other leafy greens, such as spinach or Swiss chard, for a nutrient-packed drink. Experiment with different ingredients and find your favorite combination!
Who should avoid Kale juice?
- People with thyroid disorders or who are taking thyroid medication should consult their doctor before consuming kale juice, as the high levels of iodine could interfere with treatment.
- People with kidney problems should also speak to their doctor before drinking kale juice, as high levels of vitamin C and potassium can be hard on the kidneys. Because with taking kidney medication, it is important to monitor the levels of these nutrients in your diet.
- People with a history of kidney stones may want to limit their kale juice consumption, as the high levels of oxalates can potentially contribute to kidney stone formation.
- Individuals with allergies or sensitivities to cruciferous vegetables such as kale should avoid drinking kale juice.
- People on certain blood-thinning medications should also speak to their doctor before incorporating kale juice into their diet, as the vitamin K in kale can affect the medication’s effectiveness.
- Pregnant women should also speak to their doctor before consuming large amounts of kale juice, as the high levels of vitamin K can potentially harm fetal development. These points highlight that while kale juice offers many health benefits, it is important for individuals with certain medical conditions or considerations to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating it into their diet. As always, it is important to listen to your body and proceed with caution when trying new foods or drinks.
Please note that this is not medical advice, and anyone with health concerns or questions should consult a healthcare professional before making dietary changes.
Conclusion
Kale juice benefits weight loss and there are plenty of reasons to drink it. It’s low in calories, high in fiber, and full of important vitamins and minerals.
Drinking kale juice can help you lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Have you tried incorporating kale juice into your diet? What has been your experience?
