Kale really IS healthier than spinach, according to a dietitian

• Kale is rich in dietary fiber and vitamins A, C, and K, and is called a superfood.
• Some experts aren’t convinced by the kale hype, claiming collard greens are better
• Read more: Eating one vegetable a day could delay brain aging by 4 years

It’s a vegetable that has become the ultimate symbol of healthy living and is a staple in green juices across America.

Some nutritionists are now suggesting that kale, a green leafy vegetable that is technically a type of cabbage, is better than spinach, another popular vegetable in the health world.

While both have health benefits that are “refrigerator-worthy,” kale is rich in vitamins A, K, and C, which are important, says Stephanie McKercher, a Denver dietitian and recipe developer. In particular, it is said to be rich in fiber, which keeps the intestines active. Colorado, GratefulGrazer.com.

“Kale has more fiber and more vitamin C than spinach,” McKercher told Fox News.

“Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant. It helps the immune system and helps absorb iron.”

Fiber is especially important given its role in reducing the risk of bowel cancer and heart disease. According to the American Nutrition Association, fewer than 7% of Americans meet the government’s recommended intake of 30 grams per day.

But other experts told DailyMail.com that while kale boasts great benefits, it’s not the healthiest green vegetable. So what?

Collard greens have slightly tougher outer leaves than spinach and are generally cheaper, but they are Australian functional medicine expert Jave Brown’s favorite leafy vegetable. He told DailyMail.com: Its calorie-per-calorie content is better than most other leafy greens (8 per cup of boiled collard greens).

Additionally, they are also a good source of potassium, which is important in regulating heart rate, helping muscle contractions, and balancing sodium levels in the body, he added.

“This makes it an ideal option, especially for those looking to increase their fiber intake,” he says.

Calcium, a nutrient that strengthens bones, is also often thought to be unique to dairy products.

One cup of raw spinach has 30 milligrams of calcium, kale has 53 milligrams, and one cup of collard greens has a whopping 286 milligrams.

Collards are also rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential for a healthy immune system, and iron, which prevents anemia, which prevents the blood from delivering enough oxygen to the body’s tissues.

But experts say adding leafy greens to your diet is a sure-fire way to get the fiber you need, increase satiety, reduce snacking, and maintain healthy blood sugar levels. .

Registered dietitian Dr. Carolyn Williams told DailyMail.com: Some leafy greens have slightly higher contents of some vitamins and minerals than others, while others have higher contents of various nutrients. So there are no clear winners.

“And I think what’s really important is that people eat more leafy vegetables.

Cooking leafy greens with healthy fats, such as extra virgin olives, with salt and pepper is a great way to incorporate them into dinner or lunch.

Dr. Williams said that when cooking kale, many people prefer to massage it with oil first to soften it, so they prefer spinach for its versatility.

she said: “I tell people just eat green leafy vegetables. Eat what you like, what you eat. Because the most important thing is to incorporate leafy vegetables.”