Ahhh, Half way through the week!

Now I know what you're all thinking...two and a half more days until the weekend, right?  Well, being a real estate agent you have no weekend...lol.   Today I had my networking meeting at 7:45 it's my only  scheduled early day of the week.  I don't mind getting up early to meet with these wonderful professionals that I can rely on to refer my clients to.  I know they will take just as good of care of them as I would.

Today my lunch meeting was cancelled due to one of them not being available. So this is what I had for lunch...

I juiced two kale leaves, 3 ribs of celery, 1 granny smith apple and a half of a lemon.  So you don't think it looks good, huh? Well, it's not however I try to keep the benefits of it in mind.  Here are 7 benefits of kale... (credit going to Added by Drew Canole on 2013-01-27 on Fitlife.tv)

Here are 7 benefits of kale.

1. Beta-Carotene

Beta-carotene is an antioxidant which helps to build the body’s immune system. An antioxidant helps neutralize free radicals and helps prevent molecules from oxidizing. One cup of cooked kale has about 5.8 mg of beta-carotene (Barone et. al, 2002). Beat-carotene is also important because it’s a precursor for the production of vitamin A. When we get adequate amounts of vitamin A, we have healthier skin, a stronger immune system, and it helps with vision as well.

2. Calcium

According to Organicauthority.com, kale contains more calcium per calorie than milk (90 grams per serving) and is also easier to absorb. Calcium is important in preventing osteoporosis, preventing bone loss, and helps maintain a healthy metabolism. Remember to get enough vitamin D, since it helps with the absorption of calcium.

3.  Chlorophyll

Chlorophyll is a type of pigment that provides kale it’s deep green color. There are many benefits of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll aids in gastrointestinal problems, promotes the formation of hemoglobin and red blood cells, has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, and it also helps with bad breath. Chlorophyll also aids in absorbing the odor of garlic. So many people don’t like juicing garlic because of the smell and after odor, if you wrap parsley or kale around a garlic clove and then feed it into the juicer, the chlorophyll actually absorbs the odor of the garlic. Chlorophyll is a great detoxifier as well, so add kale and other dark leafy greens to your juice.

4. Folate

Kale contains folate which is an important B vitamin. Folate also prevents certain birth defects and is important for normal brain development of unborn babies. Folate is has anticancer properties and is important in maintaining a healthy heart.

5. Isothiocyanates

Ever wonder why kale and other greens have a pungent taste? Well they contain a compound called isothiocyanate. This compound helps in preventing hormone based cancers and inhibit cancerous elements from in smoke.

6. Lutein & Zeaxanthin

These carotenoids are helpful in preventing macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is the number one cause of blindness in the elderly.

7. Vitamin K

Vitamin k is important in bone building and has anti-clotting abilities. Due to it’s anti-clotting abilities, vitamin K may interfere with certain medications, thus check with your doctor if kale is right for you!

Anyway, This is why I do it.   I hope you have a great rest of the week!!!  I'm off to get my hair done then run a buyer to see a few condos.  ~Carrie