Kale is considered one of the best vegetables for the skin thanks to its ability to stimulate collagen production - the main structural protein that helps maintain skin elasticity and firmness.
However, to optimize this effectiveness, women need to know how to prepare kale because this is a key factor.
According to nutritionists, vitamin C is an important nutrient in the synthesis of collagen. Kale is a rich source of vitamin C, about 43mg/100g. However, vitamin C is very sensitive to high temperatures. Therefore, the World Health Organization recommends processing kale using non-heat-only methods such as eating raw, making salads, juices or smoothies to preserve vitamin C and enzymes that support collagen synthesis.
In addition to vitamin C, kale is rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lutein, flavonoids and glucosinolate. According to the Journal of Dermatological Science, these antioxidants help neutralize free radicals the main cause of collagen destruction in the skin. To preserve these compounds, you should avoid cooking watercress at high temperatures or for a long time. If you need to heat it, stir-fry quickly over low heat or brush with warm water not exceeding 60 degrees Celsius.
In particular, you should combine kale with healthy fats such as olive oil, walnuts or avocados in salads. This helps increase the absorption of beta-carotene and oil-soluble micronutrients an important factor for the skin to make good use of the collagen-stimulating nutrients from kale.
To effectively increase collagen production, housewives should prepare kale fresh or lightly cooked, combined with good fats to optimize the absorption of nutrients, bringing healthy and beautiful skin from within.
