Health & Well-Being A-Z

Kale

Kale vegetable
Description

Kale (Brassica oleracea) is a dark, leafy vegetable that is commonly eaten as a food source. Kale can also be used as a medicine.

Kale contains chemicals that are thought to help prevent cancer. Chemicals in kale might also have antioxidant activity.

Kale is used for cancer, heart disease, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use.


Is It Effective?

Effective

There is interest in using kale for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Is it Safe?

Safety

When taken by mouth: Kale is commonly consumed as a food. There isn't enough reliable information to know if kale is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Kale is commonly consumed as a food. There isn't enough reliable information to know if kale is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to usual food amounts.

Drug interactions

It is not known if this product interacts with any medicines.

Before taking this product, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.

Herb interactions

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Food interactions

There are no known interactions with foods.

Dosage

Kale is commonly consumed as a food. As a medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of kale might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

Other names

Boerenkool, Borecole, Brassica oleracea, Brassica oleracea var. acephala, Brassica oleracea var. viridis, Chou Fourrager, Chou Kale, Col rizada, Kale Frisé, Kale Frisé Sibérien, Kale Leaf, Kale Noir, Kale Rouge de Russie, Winter Greens.

Disclaimer

Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.

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