Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) as a superfood: Review of the scientific evidence behind the statement

ABSTRACT

Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) is a cruciferous vegetable, characterized by leaves along the stem, which, in recent years, have gained a great popularity as a ´superfood´. Consequently, in a popular culture it is listed in many ´lists of the healthiest vegetables´. Without the doubt, a scientific evidences support the fact that cruciferous vegetables included in human diet can positively affect health and well-being, but remains unclear why kale is declared superior in comparison with other cruciferous. It is questionable if this statement about kale is triggered by scientific evidence or by some other factors. Our review aims to bring an overview of kale's botanical characteristics, agronomic requirements, contemporary and traditional use, macronutrient and phytochemical content and biological activity, in order to point out the reasons for tremendous kale popularity.

KEYWORDS:

• Brassica oleracea var. acephala
• cruciferous vegetables
• superfood
• phytochemistry
• biological activity

Acknowledgments

This work have been supported by the Unity Through Knowledge Fund (contract no 12/17) and the Croatian Science Foundation (project no. IP-2014-09-4359).

Additional information

Funding

Unity through Knowledge Fund (12/17) Hrvatska Zaklada za Znanost (IP-2014-09-4359).