Kale Just Got More Exciting

Do you like kale?

You shouldn’t be surprised if you don’t because when it comes to bitter flavors, your genes can play a major role. For some individuals, their genetics makes the bitterness of kale too intense for them. This is caused by glucosinolates, which are biologically active compounds found in broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and related veggies.

But that doesn’t mean you have to avoid kale!

Thankfully, the good folks at Baked Smart Cookie have found a way to use this amazing food as an ingredient in our unbelievably delicious snacks. And if you’re looking for new ways to add kale into your life, look no further as we share some tantalizing recipes with you.

Benefits of Kale

1. Kale: The Superfood If you’ve never been a fan of kale, it might be worth giving it a try, since the veggie offers exceptional benefits. First of all, kale is known as a superfood and is rich in antioxidants, fiber, and numerous vitamins. In fact, one cup of raw kale contains:
   • Vitamin A
   • Vitamin K
   • Vitamin C
   • Vitamin B6
   • Calcium
   • Copper
   • Potassium
   • Magnesium
   • Vitamin B1
   • Vitamin B2
   • Vitamin B3
   • Iron
   • Phosphorus
   Additionally, kale contains antioxidants such as quercetin and kaempferol. Antioxidants help prevent oxidative damage caused by free radicals in your body. Oxidative damage can jumpstart aging and diseases such as cancer. Amazingly, kale has been proven to protect against cancer.
2. Helps to Protect Your Eyes As we age, our eyesight becomes poorer and many wish there was a magic pill they could take to prevent losing their sight. While there isn’t a pill to protect you, there are foods that can help minimize the effects of aging on your eyesight, including kale. Also, antioxidants such as zeaxanthin and lutein have been shown to lower the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.
3. Supports Weight Loss Kale is king when it comes to aiding weight loss. Just like many other healthy foods, kale is low in calories and high in water content, which can make you feel fuller quicker. Interestingly, kale also has small amounts of protein, which can make you feel fuller for longer.

How to Incorporate Kale into Your Diet

Here are some simple ways you can incorporate kale into your diet, and recipes you can try at home with friends and loved ones.

1. Smoothies Smoothies are delicious and easy to make, all you have to do is throw in your favorite fruits and veggies into the blender - and viola. They’re also perfect for those with a busy lifestyle but who want to ensure that they are consuming healthy foods.
   High Protein Blueberry Kale Smoothie
   Ingredients:
   • 1/2 banana
   • 1/2 cup chopped kale
   • 1/2 cup blueberries fresh or frozen (frozen will provide a thicker consistency)
   • 1 scoop protein powder
   • 1 tablespoon flax seeds
   • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
   Directions: Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Crunchy Light Snack Many love to eat chips. They are salty, delicious, and kind of addictive. Unfortunately, they are also unhealthy. An excellent alternative is kale chips.
   Kale Chips
   Ingredients:
   • 1 bunch kale
   • 1 tablespoon olive oil
   • 1 teaspoon salt
   Directions:
   • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
   • Place parchment paper on a non-insulated cookie sheet.
   • With a knife carefully remove leaves from the thick stems and tear into small pieces.
   • Wash and dry kale.
   • Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle salt on the kale.
   • Bake until the edges are brown (not burnt) for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Baked Smart Cookies

Here at Baked Smart Cookie, kale is one of the great ingredients we use in our healthy cookies. Alongside kale, each cookie contains sweet potato, broccoli, carrots, apples, bananas, pineapple, and strawberries.

If that wasn’t enough, Baked Smart Cookie is also vegan and non-GMO.

Buy Your Baked Smart Cookie Today!