With the release of the MyPlate, the beef consumption guidelines were thrust into the spotlight claiming animal protein sources should be limited to stay in a "healthy diet." So what can take its place? You guessed it, kale! Could kale be the new beef?

In terms of nutrients, kale is certainly a winner when keeping our bodies nourished. However, it is also okay to eat meat if you feel satisfied with your current diet and want to improve it.  Vegetables can also help lower your food costs and minimize greenhouse gas emissions. However, they can also harm the environment due to their dependence on animal agriculture.

Dark leafy vegetables are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. They can help lower inflammation and prevent various conditions.  A healthy diet is also beneficial for maintaining a regular bowel movement. Some of the best sources of fiber are broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots.

Although iron content is higher in vegetables than non-heme iron, heme iron is better absorbed by the body than animal proteins. For optimal absorption, try incorporating some of these vegetables into your diet.  Vegetables are also high in calcium, which can help maintain a healthy and robust body. Some examples of these include cabbage, carrots, and kale.

You might think that essential omega fatty acids come from fish oil. In fact, kale contains about 121 mg of omega-3 and 92.4 mg of omega-6.  Who would have ever thought kale, a leaf, could impact our health in all these marvelous ways!