FYI - Immediate - DO NOT PUT KALE IN YOUR SMOOTHIES ANYMORE UNLESS YOU GROW IT YOURSELF! Through my research there is many dangers!
The main dangers associated with kale consumption are its potential to cause goiter in those with iodine deficiencies, trigger kidney stones for susceptible individuals, and cause digestive issues like bloating due to its refractory sugar content. Additionally, kale can contain high levels of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), or "forever chemicals," a concern for the entire food supply.
Goitrogens and Thyroid Function
-
Kale, a cruciferous vegetable, contains goitrogens that can interfere with iodine absorption by the thyroid gland.
-
This can lead to a goiter (enlarged thyroid gland) or hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), particularly in individuals with existing iodine deficiency.
- Solution: Cooking kale deactivates the goitrogenic effect, making cooked kale a safer option for most people, according to The Nutrition Source.
- Kale contains oxalates, which are compounds that can contribute to the formation of kidney stones in individuals who are at high risk.
- If you are prone to kidney stones, you may need to limit or avoid raw kale.
- Kale contains raffinose, a type of sugar that is difficult for the stomach and small intestine to digest.
- This sugar ferments in the large intestine, producing gas (methane and carbon dioxide) and leading to bloating.
- A 2023 study found high levels of PFAS in organic kale samples.
- PFAS are a class of chemicals that bind to proteins and can be harmful to health.
-
The source of this contamination is not fully clear but is suspected to be related to tainted water or the use of contaminated sludge in agricultural fields, according to The Guardian.
This article is more than 2 years old