Hey Health Freaks: Ya Know That Garden Weed You Call ‘Kale’ That You Love? Well, It’s Killing You, Says Science

Kale is the chaperone on a school field trip. The yellow Starburst. The cantaloupe in a fruit salad. The ‘Candy Crush’ invite sender. The occasional drinker. The early riser. The ‘teacher, you forgot to give us homework!” kid. The handjob of foods. The only reason we allow it in our bodies is because we perceive it to be healthy brain food. It’s supposed to give us a sense of superiority and condescension to those who don’t eat it.

WELP. Science is here to break up this health circle jerk surrounding the bitter dark-leaved cabbage.

Although it contains high levels of vitamins, fiber and protein, experts warn it can cause digestive problems, kidney stones, thyroid problems and even heart attacks.

The Daily Mail spoke to dietician Chris Cashin and nutritionist Zoe Harcombe about the cons of the supposed ‘superfood’ and it is sure to make your obnoxious Facebook friend gearing up for the 10K very upset.

[A] common complaint about kale is that it causes digestive issues: stomach aches and bloating, nutritionist Rob Hobson told MailOnline.

‘If you’re going to increase your fibre, you may get bloated.’

It could also be dangerous for heart or kidney patients, or people with undiagnosed issues with these organs. This is because it contains high levels of potassium – 450mg per 100g. Potassium is an essential mineral that the body needs, especially for nerves and muscles. But if levels of potassium become too high in the blood, it can cause serious health problems.

‘I would worry giving it to heart patients or kidney patients,’ Ms Cashin said.

‘It can cause irregular heartbeat and your heart to stop if it becomes quite high, particularly with renal patients,’ Ms Cashin continued.

‘If your potassium level is normal, then you will be fine, it’s only if you have an undiagnosed issue that it might cause a problem.’

Other experts have warned that eating too much kale can cause hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, leaving sufferers tired, depressed and possibly gaining weight.

But by all means, keep eating it. Science is overrated anyway.

[h/t Daily Mail]

 

Matt Keohan Avatar
Matt’s love of writing was born during a sixth grade assembly when it was announced that his essay titled “Why Drugs Are Bad” had taken first prize in D.A.R.E.’s grade-wide contest. The anti-drug people gave him a $50 savings bond for his brave contribution to crime-fighting, and upon the bond’s maturity 10 years later, he used it to buy his very first bag of marijuana.