AYURVEDIC FOODS

Kale Benefits (According to Ayurveda)

How Does This Ayurvedic Food Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

Recipes with Kale: Banana Smoothie with Kale, Lime & Cardamom
Recipes with Kale: Banana Smoothie with Kale, Lime & Cardamom
Kale is one of our favorite greens for high Pitta and Kapha. Unlike spinach, it is cooling for pitta. Fiber and bitter taste stimulate peristalsis, encouraging regular elimination of the bowels. Bitter taste also improves the flow of bile, reducing gallbladder and liver congestion. Bile also stores blood born toxins after they are neutralized by the liver. Flushing bile releases these toxins from the body. It is an excellent cleansing spring tonic.

Raw brassicas contain chemicals that can block thyroid function called goitrogens. These chemicals are easily inactivated by steaming or cooking. High vitamin K in Kale can induce clotting for at risk individuals and could interact with blood thinning medications.

About Kale

Start with lacinto kale if regular Kale is too bitter but make sure you eventually switch over to the real stuff.

Buying & Preparation

Kale comes in many varieties. Lacinto is a sweet kale void of Kale's healing bitter taste. Red kale may be higher in iron and beta carotene. Avoid leaves that appear too dry or wilted. Strip kale of the central vein by sliding your fingers from the base to the tip. Where the tip breaks off, the vein is soft enough to be cooked.

Cooking Kale

For Vata, kale should be cooked until the leaves are very soft to break down hard-to-digest fibers. Add a bit of coconut oil to Kale if you are underweight to avoid depletion. For Kapha, Kale may be juiced or parboiled.

Learn about the health benefits of kale for FREE

You'll receive free access to our entire website including healthy recipes, nutritional diet plans, medicinal uses of ingredients, & ayurvedic health tips. Sign in once and you can use our website indefinitely..

Please complete the following information if you have not registered or sign in to continue.

Want our top Ayurvedic recipes and health tips? Click YES to subscribe to our newsletter!

(find out more).
Frequency: You'll receive our most popular Ayurvedic health tips every day for a week, and then 1-2 emails a week ongoing.

e-mail address*
confirm your e-mail*
enter a password*
(
find out more
Frequency: You'll receive our most popular Ayurvedic health tips every day for a week, and then 1-2 emails a week ongoing.
).
Yes No
I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its
User Agreement
The materials in this site are provided 'as-is' and without warranties of any kind either expressed or implied. Joyful Belly does not warrant or make any representations regarding the use or the results of the use of the content or other materials in this site in terms of their correctness, accuracy, reliability, or otherwise.
and
Privacy Policy
We respect your privacy. We will NEVER sell, rent or share your email address. That's more than a policy, it's our personal guarantee. Click here to view our privacy policy. Thank you!
.

Is Kale Good for My Ayurvedic Diet?

Find out by taking this free, easy quiz. You'll learn your body type, and whether 'Kale' is a good fit. Complete the basic quiz in 1 minute, or go deeper with additional quizzes at your own leisure to learn more about your body.

Take the Quiz

AYURVEDA'S GUIDE TO VITALITY & WHOLESOME NOURISHMENT

Your Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body and your specific imbalances. With an Ayurvedic diet you feel joy and satisfaction because what you are eating truly nourishes and balances you. Disease results from diets and lifestyles that are incompatible with your nature. By eating a personalized diet matched to your body, you experience optimal health. See How it Works.
SERVING SIZE: 1/4 lbs
SPECIES: Brassica oleracea
FAMILY: Brassicaceae

PREPARATION: SOUP
EAT IN: SPRING
FOR OCCASION: ON-THE-MEND

Metabolic Nature of Kale

See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.
INCREASES
Guna Help

Increases These Biocharacteristics (Gunas)

Functional Ayurveda helps you assess imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (gunas). Aggravating these characteristics weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which characteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct imbalances before you get sick. Every characteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite characteristic.

Learn More

COLD

ABOUT COLD BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.

LEARN MORE ABOUT COLD

DRY

ABOUT DRY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DRY

LIGHT

ABOUT LIGHT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Lightness is identified by reduced weight.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIGHT

LIQUEFIED

ABOUT LIQUEFIED BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Substances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIQUEFIED

CLEAR

ABOUT CLEAR BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CLEAR

EASY

ABOUT EASY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Easy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.

LEARN MORE ABOUT EASY

MOBILE

ABOUT MOBILE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Mobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MOBILE

TASTES
Taste Help

The 6 Tastes

Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?

Learn More

BITTER

ABOUT BITTER BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Bitter taste has cholagogue action - it is cold, clear, light, and stimulating. It increases digestive enzymes, laxative, and drying.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BITTER

ASTRINGENT

ABOUT ASTRINGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Astringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ASTRINGENT

DOSHAS
Dosha Help

The Three Doshas / Body Types

According to the biocharacteristic theory of medicine, people tend to get sick, over and over again, due to habitual causes and imbalances that are unique to the person. Your body type summarizes this tendency, showing you the 'type' of conditions and imbalances that frequently challenge your health & wellness. Using body type, you can also identify remedies likely to improve your strength and resiliency. Your body type identifies physical and mental characteristics as well as your personal strengths and weaknesses. The calculation of your body type is based on your medical history.

The 3 functional body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha). Catabolic individuals tend to break down body mass into energy. They are easily stimulated, hyperactive, underweight and dry. Metabolic individuals tend to burn or use energy. They tend to be rosy-cheeked, easily irritated, focused, driven, and easily inflamed. Anabolic individuals tend to store energy as body mass. If they store too much energy, they could gain weight easily and have congestion. Anabolic people tend to be stable and grounded.

Learn More

PACIFIES
Kapha pacifying Pitta pacifying
AGGRAVATES
Vata aggravating
HAS THE FOLLOWING
Moves Energy:
Downward

DOWNWARD

Downward-moving (Adho Gati Marga) substances move food downward in the GI tract, settle the nervous system, and relax muscles.

SEE ALL 'DOWNWARD' FOODS / HERBS

,
Inward

INWARD

Inward moving substances promote introspection, self reflection, stillness, or slow the system down.

SEE ALL 'INWARD' FOODS / HERBS


Tissue (dhatu):
Red Blood

RED-BLOOD

Red blood (Rakta Dhatu) includes red blood cells and blood vessels.

SEE ALL 'RED-BLOOD' FOODS / HERBS


Family: Brassicaceae
HERBAL ACTIONS
(see all)

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Kale
Help
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

Appetite Suppressant

APPETITE-SUPPRESSANT

Suppresses hunger without causing weight gain.

SEE ALL 'APPETITE-SUPPRESSANT' FOODS / HERBS

,
Stimulates Peristalsis

STIMULATES-PERISTALSIS

An herb that promotes involuntary smooth muscle contractions to facilitate the movement of food and waste through the digestive tract.

SEE ALL 'STIMULATES-PERISTALSIS' FOODS / HERBS

Internal Detoxicant

INTERNAL-DETOXICANT

Liquefies, dissolves, decongests or dislodges internal stagnant toxins. Decongests the lymphatic system.

SEE ALL 'INTERNAL-DETOXICANT' FOODS / HERBS

Stimulates Energy

STIMULATES-ENERGY

This category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbs.

SEE ALL 'STIMULATES-ENERGY' FOODS / HERBS

Anti Inflammatory

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.

SEE ALL 'ANTI-INFLAMMATORY' FOODS / HERBS

Alterative

ALTERATIVE

Restores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.

SEE ALL 'ALTERATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Cholagogue

CHOLAGOGUE

Cholagogues stimulate the production & release of bile from the liver & gallbladder. This refreshes and cleanses these organs, as well as increases bile in the small intestines.

SEE ALL 'CHOLAGOGUE' FOODS / HERBS

Hypolipidemic

HYPOLIPIDEMIC

Scrapes fats / cleanses blood vessels by 1) purging bile, 2) strengthening the liver's ability to metabolize fats, 3) by increasing uptake of cholesterol in the liver, and 4) by inhibiting fat cells.

SEE ALL 'HYPOLIPIDEMIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Lowers Blood Sugar

LOWERS-BLOOD-SUGAR

An herb that lowers blood sugar.

SEE ALL 'LOWERS-BLOOD-SUGAR' FOODS / HERBS

,
Lowers Thyroid

LOWERS-THYROID

Reduces thyroid function. Useful for people with hyperthyroid.

SEE ALL 'LOWERS-THYROID' FOODS / HERBS

Anti Estrogenic

ANTI-ESTROGENIC

Reduces estrogen, which reduces thickness of the uterus endometrium, pelvic congestive disorders like fibroids, and frequently dysmenorrhea as well.

SEE ALL 'ANTI-ESTROGENIC' FOODS / HERBS

Chelates

CHELATES

Binds to toxins such as heavy metals making them more soluble for elimination by the body.

SEE ALL 'CHELATES' FOODS / HERBS

Other:
Constituents:
Nitric Oxide

STRONG NITRIC-OXIDE

Improves circulation by dilating blood vessels. Protects blood vessels from damage. Improves athletic performance, libido, immunity, and brain health.

SEE ALL 'NITRIC-OXIDE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Aromatase Inhibitor

AROMATASE-INHIBITOR

Blocks estrogen synthesis by inhibiting conversion of progesterone and testosterone into estrogen.

SEE ALL 'AROMATASE-INHIBITOR' FOODS / HERBS

,
Calcium

CALCIUM

Calcium nourishes bones and muscles. A muscle cell is activated when calcium enters the cell. It relaxes when the calcium is secreted.

SEE ALL 'CALCIUM' FOODS / HERBS

,
Flavonoids

FLAVONOIDS

Flavonoids are a colorful type of polyphenol. As all polyphenols, they have a strong antioxidant effect. Many flavonoids have an anti-inflammatory, and/or antiallergen effect.

SEE ALL 'FLAVONOIDS' FOODS / HERBS

,
Polyphenols

POLYPHENOLS

Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants seen in many fruits and vegetables. There are more than 8,000 types.

SEE ALL 'POLYPHENOLS' FOODS / HERBS

, Potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K

Foods with a Similar Nature to Kale

Dandelion Leaves

Dandelion Leaves has these Actions in Common

Alterative, Appetite-suppressant, Internal-detoxicant, Stimulates-peristalsis, Anti-estrogenic, Cholagogue, Lowers-blood-sugar, Anti-inflammatory, Hypolipidemic, Stimulates-energy

LEARN MORE

Brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts has these Actions in Common

Appetite-suppressant, Lowers-thyroid, Anti-estrogenic, Chelates, Stimulates-energy, Anti-inflammatory, Lowers-blood-sugar

LEARN MORE

Broccoli

Broccoli has these Actions in Common

Appetite-suppressant, Lowers-blood-sugar, Anti-estrogenic, Chelates, Lowers-thyroid, Anti-inflammatory, Hypolipidemic

LEARN MORE

Mustard Greens

Mustard Greens has these Actions in Common

Hypolipidemic, Lowers-thyroid, Appetite-suppressant, Internal-detoxicant, Stimulates-peristalsis, Cholagogue, Lowers-blood-sugar

LEARN MORE

Burdock Root (Gobo)

Burdock Root (Gobo) has these Actions in Common

Anti-estrogenic, Hypolipidemic, Anti-inflammatory, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Cholagogue, Lowers-blood-sugar

LEARN MORE

Aloe Vera Juice / Gel

Aloe Vera Juice / Gel has these Actions in Common

Appetite-suppressant, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Cholagogue, Lowers-blood-sugar, Anti-inflammatory, Hypolipidemic

LEARN MORE

Cilantro

Cilantro has these Actions in Common

Chelates, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Cholagogue, Stimulates-energy, Anti-inflammatory, Hypolipidemic

LEARN MORE

Endive

Endive has these Actions in Common

Cholagogue, Lowers-blood-sugar, Alterative, Hypolipidemic, Anti-inflammatory, Internal-detoxicant

LEARN MORE

Red Leaf Lettuce

Red Leaf Lettuce has these Actions in Common

Hypolipidemic, Stimulates-peristalsis, Alterative, Lowers-blood-sugar, Cholagogue, Stimulates-energy

LEARN MORE

Coffee

Coffee has these Actions in Common

Cholagogue, Stimulates-energy, Internal-detoxicant, Stimulates-peristalsis, Appetite-suppressant, Lowers-thyroid

LEARN MORE

Herb Supplements with a Similar Nature to Kale

Dandelion Root

Dandelion Root has these Actions in Common

Alterative, Anti-estrogenic, Anti-inflammatory, Cholagogue, Hypolipidemic, Internal-detoxicant, Lowers-blood-sugar

LEARN MORE

Neem Leaf

Neem Leaf has these Actions in Common

Anti-estrogenic, Anti-inflammatory, Cholagogue, Hypolipidemic, Internal-detoxicant, Lowers-blood-sugar, Alterative

LEARN MORE

Punarnava

Punarnava has these Actions in Common

Alterative, Anti-inflammatory, Cholagogue, Hypolipidemic, Internal-detoxicant, Lowers-blood-sugar, Stimulates-energy

LEARN MORE

Guggulu

Guggulu has these Actions in Common

Alterative, Anti-inflammatory, Hypolipidemic, Internal-detoxicant, Lowers-blood-sugar, Stimulates-energy

LEARN MORE

Yellow Dock

Yellow Dock has these Actions in Common

Cholagogue, Internal-detoxicant, Lowers-blood-sugar, Alterative, Anti-inflammatory

LEARN MORE

Bhumyamalaki

Bhumyamalaki has these Actions in Common

Cholagogue, Hypolipidemic, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Anti-inflammatory

LEARN MORE

Shilajit Tonic

Shilajit Tonic has these Actions in Common

Alterative, Hypolipidemic, Internal-detoxicant, Lowers-blood-sugar, Stimulates-energy

LEARN MORE

Calendula, Marigold

Calendula, Marigold has these Actions in Common

Alterative, Anti-inflammatory, Cholagogue, Hypolipidemic, Internal-detoxicant

LEARN MORE

Yarrow

Yarrow has these Actions in Common

Alterative, Anti-estrogenic, Anti-inflammatory, Cholagogue, Internal-detoxicant

LEARN MORE

Eleuthero Ginseng

Eleuthero Ginseng has these Actions in Common

Internal-detoxicant, Lowers-blood-sugar, Stimulates-energy, Anti-inflammatory, Hypolipidemic

LEARN MORE

Amalaki

Amalaki has these Actions in Common

Alterative, Anti-inflammatory, Internal-detoxicant, Lowers-blood-sugar, Stimulates-energy

LEARN MORE


Joyful Belly is a recognized school of biocharacteristics medicine.

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR THESE SYMPTOMS

Kale may be beneficial for these symptoms. The suitability of any food for a condition is highly dependent on the individual. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

Rosaceae
How does Kale affect 'Rosaceae'?
IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME
We will use this information to better predict food that helps you.

HOW DOES EATING AYURVEDICALLY MAKE YOU FEEL?

Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. Food digests with ease when right for your body type (dosha). Healthy digestion is seen as the cornerstone of well-being in Ayurveda. Healthy digestion generally prevents illness. If you do get sick, a strong digestive fire reduces the severity of illness and increases your resilience. It also improves your mood. Once you begin eating Ayurvedically, you will feel refreshed, vital and strong.

Clinical Tools & Resources

Give smart recommendations to your clients and improve efficiency in your clinic with these tools.
About John Joseph Immel

About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, as well as public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.

John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 7 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language.

Read more

Comments & Impressions of 'Kale'

Do you like 'kale'? Why or why not? What makes it unique? Is there something else you'd like to know about 'kale'?

full start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start review(5.00 out of 5 stars) 1 rating, 416 likes
blank start reviewblank start reviewblank start reviewblank start reviewblank start reviewSign in to review this food

kale is so rich in nutrients I am tempt to try Kale. but I am Vata and imbalanced too. just cooking kale is good for Vata or should I add spices to make it more Vata friendly. which spices ?
- Pallavi Paurav, Seattle, WA , 09-05-12 (Reply)
Dried Kale chips can aggravate Vata. However, kale cooked until it's soft, with coconut oil, raisins, and ginger will be oily and warm enough to nourish Vata. Bitter taste, as long as it doesn't cause depletion, is actually Vata pacifying because it helps to stimulate and clean the intestines.
How similar are kale and the tender Asian greens like bok choi and tatsoi?
- espringf, Chelsea, MI , 10-29-14 (Reply)
- Jessica, Kingman, KS
full start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start review
, 04-12-18 (Reply)

Join Joyful Belly.

Want our top Ayurvedic recipes and health tips?
Subscribe to our free newsletter!
If you are already a member please sign in here. Forgot your password?
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information and products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

© 2024 Joyful Belly Ayurveda Inc., All rights reserved.
[email protected] +1 828-307-3281
Asheville, North Carolina
1 1