Effects of Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) Consumption on Anthropometric Markers of Adiposity among Adults with Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) contains nutrients and phytochemicals linked to a lower risk of metabolic syndrome. This randomized controlled trial examined the effect of kale ingestion on adiposity markers including body weight, BMI, waist circumference, body fat, and visceral fat percentages in 78 adults with metabolic syndrome over 8 weeks. Participants were divided into two groups by stratified random sampling. The 38 participants in the experimental group received 70g of fresh kale daily, while a placebo containing 250 mg of corn starch was given to 40 participants in the control group. Throughout the intervention, from baseline to week 8, dietary records showed that percentage changes in vitamin A, B2, C, E, and calcium intake were significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group, while changes in energy intake and expenditure between the groups were not significantly different. Comparing anthropometric markers revealed a significant decrease in waist circumference in the experimental group compared to baseline. However, body weight, BMI, body fat percentage, and visceral fat percentage did not show significant differences within or between the groups. The results suggest that daily ingestion of 70g of kale may reduce waist circumference and could be considered an alternative method for preventing metabolic syndrome.