Kale as a Source of Calcium

Dairy products, such as milk and cheese, provide about 70% of the calcium in North American diets. These products are great sources of calcium. In fact fat-free milk is the most nutrient dense( milligrams per kilo calorie) source of calcium. However, leafy greens, such as kale also provide a great source of calcium without the extra calories and fat that whole milk and most cheeses provide. Some leafy greens contain calcium but it is not absorbed in the body because of the presence of oxalic acid. This effect is not as strong in kale. For those of you that are lactose intolerant this leafy green vegetable is a great way to get your calcium for the day.



Add kale to your dinner plate tonight by trying this quick recipe.

Ingredients:

1 bunch of kale, washed and chopped into bite-size pieces
1 yellow onion, sliced
1-2 cloves of garlic, minced or finely chopped
2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
Juice of 1/4 lemon
1/2 cup of vegetable broth or water
Sea salt and pepper, to taste (optional)

Directions:

Warm olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or pan. Add onions and cook for 3-5 minutes or until slightly translucent. Be sure to stir the onions around once in a while so that they don't burn.

Add garlic and kale and mix them together with onions. Allow garlic, kale and onions to cook for one minute, then add vegetable broth and cover pot or pan for 4-6 minutes. Check kale from time to time starting at the 4 minute mark for tenderness.

Once kale is tender, add sea salt and just a few drops of lemon juice. Give it one last stir and serve.

Be sure to taste as you add lemon juice. Adding too much can turn the whole dish sour.

We enjoy this dish with avocado and a bowl of brown rice or quinoa.

Recipe by: Dr. Ben Kim