Kale: Kale can provide you with some special cholesterol-lowering benefits if you steam it because the fiber-related components in kale do a better job of binding together with bile acids in your digestive tract when they've been steamed. When this binding process takes place, it's easier for bile acids to be excreted, and the result is a lowering of your cholesterol levels. Raw kale still has cholesterol-lowering ability—just not as much. Kale's risk-lowering benefits for cancer have recently been extended to at least five different types: bladder, breast, colon, ovary, and prostate. Isothiocyanates (ITCs) made from glucosinolates in kale play a primary role in achieving these risk-lowering benefits. Kale is now recognized as providing comprehensive support for the body's detoxification system. New research has shown that the ITCs made from kale's glucosinolates can help regulate detox at a genetic level. Researchers can now identify over 45 different flavonoids in kale. With kaempferol and quercetin heading the list, kale's flavonoids combine both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits in way that gives kale a leading dietary role with respect to avoidance of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.
Kelp: Kelp is a natural super food loaded with trace minerals, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Most notably, kelp is a rich, natural source of iodine which can provide adequate levels to stimulate a sluggish thyroid and encourage a healthy metabolism. A deficiency in iodine leads to metabolism disruption and can also lead to an enlargement of the thyroid gland known as goiter. Kelp is naturally high in antioxidants, including carotenoids, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which help to fight against disease-causing free radicals. Antioxidant vitamins like vitamin C, and minerals like manganese and zinc, help to combat oxidative stress and may offer benefits to cardiovascular health. There have been many claims regarding kelp’s abilities to fight chronic disease, including cancer. Researchers found that kelp can slow the spread of colon and breast cancers. A compound found in kelp called fucoidan may also prevent the spread of lung cancer and prostate cancer. Because kelp contains a natural fiber called alginate, studies suggest that it may halt the absorption of fat in the gut. A study published in Food Chemistry found that alginate could help block fat absorption in the intestines by 75 percent. A study published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism found that a compound in the chloroplasts of brown seaweed called fucoxanthin may promote weight loss in obese patients when combined with pomegranate oil. Studies also suggest that brown seaweed may influence glycemic control and reduce blood glucose levels, benefitting people with type 2 diabetes. In addition to its potential to slow down fat absorption in the gut, kelp is low in fat and calories. Health advisers warn that ingesting concentrated amounts of kelp can introduce excessive amounts of iodine to the body. This can overstimulate the thyroid and cause harm. There are significant health risks to consuming excessive iodine. It’s important to only eat kelp in moderation, and it should be avoided by those suffering from hyperthyroidism. Because kelp and other sea vegetables take up minerals from the waters they inhabit, they can also absorb dangerous heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, and lead. Be sure to seek out certified organic versions of sea vegetables and to look for packages that mention that the product has been tested for arsenic.
Keffir: Keffir is a fermented milk drink, cultured from kefir grains. It is a rich source of calcium, protein and B-vitamins. It is high in nutrients and probiotics, and is incredibly beneficial for digestion and gut health. Many people consider it to be a healthier and more powerful version of yogurt as it is richer in probiotics. It also has antibacterial properties that help fight against infection. Kefir made from full-fat dairy is not only a great source of calcium, but also vitamin K2. This nutrient plays a central role in calcium metabolism, and supplementing with it has been shown to substantially reduce the risk of fractures. It may even help prevent against cancer as the probiotics in fermented dairy products are believed to inhibit tumor growth by reducing formation of carcinogenic compounds, as well as by stimulating the immune system. The lactic acid bacteria have already pre-digested the lactose in kefir so people with lactose intolerance can often eat kefir without problems. It can also suppress inflammatory responses to alleviate the symptoms of allergies and asthma.
Kidney Beans: The health benefits of eating red kidney beans are not only linked to their fiber and folate content; red kidney beans are also supercharged with antioxidants, which makes them one of the best anti aging foods you can find. red kidney beans contain even more proanthocyanidins than blueberries, cranberries, and small red beans.the fiber, protein and complex carbohydrates in red kidney beans helps stabilize blood sugar levels, making red kidney beans a very good food for people with insulin resistance, hypoglycemia or diabetes. Kidney beans are full of potassium, magnesium, iron and protein, vitamin K, Kidney beans contain good amount of molybdenum that detoxifies sulfites. Great as a remedy for kidney stones.
Kiwi Fruit: Health benefits of kiwi include improved digestive and cardiovascular health and it aids in the treatment of cancer, insomnia, macular degeneration and diabetes. Flavonoids-rich kiwi is beneficial during pregnancy, contributes in keeping the skin healthy and promotes the absorption of iron in the body. Anti-microbial properties of kiwi guards against a range of pathogens and strengthens the immune defense of the body.
Kohlrabi: The health benefits of kohlrabi include its ability to improve your digestive processes, help you lose weight, protect against cancer, boost the immune system, regulate the metabolism, increase circulation, strengthen bones, improve vision health, and assists in protecting muscle and nerve function. Kohlrabi is so highly valued in countries and cuisines around the world not only for its diversity in cooking applications, but also because it is full of nutrients and minerals like copper, potassium, manganese, iron, and calcium, as well as vitamins, such as vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, vitamin A, and vitamin K. Kohlrabi is also high in dietary fiber and antioxidant compounds, such as phytochemicals and various carotenes.
Kumquat: Some of the most important health benefits of kumquats include their ability to improve the immune system, regulate your digestive system, reduce your chances of developing diabetes, lower your cholesterol levels, boost the health of your skin, teeth, eyes, and hair, strengthen your bones, and improve nerve health.Kumquats are made up of a wide variety of essential oils, including limonene, alpha-pinene, monoterpenes, and many others, which have certain beneficial effects on the body, as well as copper, fiber, potassium, calcium, Vitamin C, beneficial fats, and vitamin A. Kumquats are extremely helpful in long-term situations. Because of existence of citric acid within kumquats it is extremely good for prevent from kidney stone.