Is Kale Inflammatory?
Kale has an inflammation score of 1/10, making it anti-inflammatory. This food actively helps reduce inflammation in your body.
Why Is Kale Anti-Inflammatory?
Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. It is loaded with anti-inflammatory vitamins, minerals, and powerful antioxidants like quercetin and kaempferol.
Key Anti-Inflammatory Properties
- Contains quercetin and kaempferol (powerful anti-inflammatories)
- Extremely high in vitamins K, A, and C
- Good source of calcium and iron
- High in fiber and low in calories
- May support detoxification
Things to Watch Out For
- Contains goitrogens — caution for thyroid issues
- High oxalate content
- Can be tough to digest raw for some people
Key Nutrients in Kale
Kale contains several notable nutrients that influence its inflammatory profile:
Serving Recommendation
Recommended Serving Size
1 cup (67g) chopped raw
Tips
Massage raw kale with olive oil and lemon to soften it for salads. Steam or sauté lightly. Make kale chips as a healthy snack alternative. Rotate with other greens to reduce oxalate intake.
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About Kale and Inflammation
Understanding how kale affects inflammation is important for anyone following an anti-inflammatory diet. With an inflammation score of 1 out of 10, kale is classified as anti-inflammatory in the Flammy food database.
Including kale as part of a balanced anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce chronic inflammation, which is linked to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and certain cancers. The anti-inflammatory compounds in kale work by reducing inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
The inflammation score is based on a comprehensive analysis of the food's nutritional profile, including its fatty acid composition, glycemic impact, antioxidant content, and the presence of pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory compounds. Scores range from 1 (most anti-inflammatory) to 10 (most inflammatory).