Recipe of the week: crunchy kale chips - Dr. Lisa Young, PhD, RDN

Hello,

Need a quick and easy snack? Look no further!

Here’s an easy recipe for kale chips! I love eating them as a snack or adding them to a grain bowl for extra crunch! Below is a simple recipe along with health benefits of this crunchy snack.

And check out this recipe reel for simple cooking instructions.

Here are the dEATS

1 bag of kale

1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil

Salt, pepper, minced garlic and garlic powder

Coat kale in extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and minced garlic. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Bake kale for about 15 minutes (or once you start to see the edges turn brown!)

In addition to being delicious, kale chips are also super nutritious. Here are some of its health benefits:

Fiber: Foods high in fiber have been seen to potentially lower the risk of chronic disease, including obesity, cancers, heart disease or diabetes. Kale is loaded with dietary fiber, which can promote cardiovascular health. Moreover, the fiber helps our digestive tract keep things moving along, which promotes bowel health.

Antioxidants: Antioxidants are an important part of any diet as they contain compounds that neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative damage. Two antioxidants found in kale are carotenoids lutein and beta-carotene; these are associated with a reduced risk of cataracts, atherosclerosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Vitamin A: Vitamin A is needed for eye health. Kale contains vitamin A (in the form of beta carotene), which helps to keep our vision healthy.

Calcium: The calcium in kale helps promote bone health. Research found that an increase in calcium has been linked to a reduced risk of bone fractures.

B vitamins: Kale contains a variety of B vitamins, such as vitamin B6, thiamin (B1), and vitamin B6. B vitamins play an important role in converting the nutrients from the food you eat, into energy.

Vitamin C: Kale is rich in vitamin C which is essential for immune function as well as synthesis of collagen in the body.

Potassium: Potassium is a mineral that promotes healthy blood pressure levels and improved cardiovascular health. Snacking on kale chips is a great way to up your potassium content

Vitamin K: Kale is rich in vitamin K. Research found vitamin K to be essential for blood clotting, and bone health. It may also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

BONUS: Kale tends to lasts longer than most greens. And this storage tip helps: Store kale in a resealable bag with a paper towel in it. Be sure to change the paper towel every few days. The paper towel helps absorb some moisture that contribute to wilting and rotting.

Try out the recipe and let me know how you like it!

Have a healthy week!

Warmly,