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

Autori
Šamec, Dunja ; Urlić, Branimir ; Salopek-Sondi, Branka

Izvornik
Critical reviews in food science and nutrition (1040-8398) 59 (2019), 15; 2411-2422

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, pregledni rad, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
Brassica oleracea var. acephala ; cruciferous vegetables ; superfood ; phytochemistry ; biological activity

Sažetak
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 evidence 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.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Biologija, Biotehnologija, Nutricionizam

Napomena
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).

POVEZANOST RADA