Kale

vegetables

Kale

9/ 10Excellent
Controversy: 5.5

Rated by 11 diets

10 approve0 caution1 avoid

How the diets react

Approves10
Disapproves1
Is Kale Healthy?

Yes — Kale is broadly considered healthy. 10 out of 11 diets approve it.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g
Calories
49kcal
Protein
4.3g
Carbs
9g
Fat
0.9g
Fiber
3.6g
Sugar
2.3g
Sodium
38mg

Diet Ratings

KetoApproved

One cup of raw kale contains approximately 7g net carbs with minimal fat. Extremely nutrient-dense cruciferous green with excellent micronutrient profile. Low carb density allows generous consumption within keto macros.

VeganApproved

Whole plant vegetable with no animal products or derivatives. Exemplary whole-food vegan staple.

PaleoApproved

Cruciferous leafy green available to Paleolithic humans. Extremely nutrient-dense with vitamins K, C, A, and calcium. Unprocessed whole food with anti-inflammatory compounds.

MediterraneanApproved

Cruciferous leafy green with exceptional nutrient density, fiber, and phytonutrients. Aligns with Mediterranean emphasis on vegetables consumed multiple times daily. Minimal processing.

CarnivoreAvoid

Kale is a cruciferous leafy green vegetable composed of plant material. Excluded from carnivore diet.

Whole30Approved

Whole vegetable with no added ingredients. Explicitly compliant as a leafy green vegetable.

Low-FODMAPApproved

Monash University confirms kale is low-FODMAP at standard serving sizes (approximately 100g). Minimal FODMAP content across all categories.

DASHApproved

Core DASH vegetable. Very low sodium, very high potassium, excellent calcium and magnesium. Dense nutrient profile supports all DASH objectives.

ZoneApproved

Exemplary Zone vegetable: virtually no glycemic impact, exceptional polyphenol and antioxidant density. One cup (~7g carbs, 1g fiber = 6g net carbs) is minimal. Sears emphasizes colorful cruciferous vegetables; kale is top-tier. Unlimited consumption encouraged.

Cruciferous leafy green with exceptional nutrient density. High in sulforaphane, vitamin K, C, and polyphenols. Demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. One of the most anti-inflammatory vegetables available.

GLP-1 FriendlyApproved

Excellent fiber (1.3g per cup raw), good protein (3.5g per cup raw), and very low calorie density (33 cal per cup raw). High water content (89%) and nutrient-dense with vitamins A, C, K, and minerals. Easy to digest when cooked or massaged. Portion-friendly and supports satiety. Ideal GLP-1 vegetable.

Controversy Index

Score range: 110/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus5.5Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Kale

Keto 10/10
  • 7g net carbs per cup raw
  • High fiber content
  • Exceptional nutrient density (vitamins K, A, C)
  • Cruciferous compounds
  • Portion-flexible
Vegan 10/10
  • 100% plant-based
  • Whole food
  • Nutrient-dense
  • No processing required
Paleo 9/10
  • Cruciferous vegetable
  • Nutrient-dense
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Low carbohydrate
Mediterranean 9/10
  • cruciferous vegetable
  • very high in nutrients
  • fiber-rich
  • multiple daily servings encouraged
Whole30 10/10
  • Whole vegetable
  • Leafy green
  • Nutrient-dense
Low-FODMAP 9/10
  • Low fructan content
  • Low GOS content
  • Monash-tested and approved
DASH 10/10
  • Very low sodium
  • Very high potassium
  • High calcium and magnesium
  • Excellent fiber
  • High vitamin K and antioxidants
Zone 10/10
  • very low glycemic index
  • polyphenol-dense
  • antioxidant-rich
  • anti-inflammatory
  • unlimited consumption
  • Sulforaphane
  • Vitamin K
  • Polyphenols
  • High antioxidant capacity
  • high fiber
  • good protein
  • very low calorie density
  • high water content
  • excellent nutrient density
  • versatile preparation