The health benefits of cabbage include frequent use as a treatment for constipation, stomach ulcers, headaches, obesity, skin disorders, eczema, jaundice, scurvy, rheumatism, arthritis, gout, eye disorders, heart diseases, aging, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Did you know that the inexpensive, humble and widely used cabbage can practically work miracles? Cabbage is a leafy vegetable of Brassica family, and is round or oval in shape. It consists of soft, light green or whitish inner leaves covered with harder and dark green outer leaves. It is widely used throughout the world, and can be prepared in a number of ways, but most commonly, it is included as either a cooked or raw part of many salads.
Cabbage is beneficial in curing various health ailments and a short list of those researched attributes are listed below:Deficiency of Vitamin C
Scurvy is a disease commonly characterized by spongy and bleeding gums, cracked lip corners, weakened immune system, frequent infections and cold, premature aging, and depression.
Remedy: Cabbage is an abundant source of Vitamin C. You might be surprised to know that it is actually richer in vitamin C than oranges, which is traditionally considered the “best” source of that vital nutrient. Vitamin C, as one of the best antioxidants, reduces free radicals in your body that are one of the fundamental causes of premature aging. It also helps in repairing the wear and tear on the body through the course of your life. Therefore, cabbage is very helpful in treating ulcers, certain cancers, depression, immune system boosting, and defending against cough and cold. It can also speed up the healing process for wounds and damaged tissues, regulate the proper functioning of the nervous system, and reduce the effects and presence of Alzheimer’s disease and other degenerative neural diseases.
Deficiency of Roughage
This is a very serious deficiency but one that is commonly overlooked in the maintenance of personal health. A lack of roughage in food can result in constipation, which is the root cause of many other ailments and health hazards such as stomach ulcers, headaches, gastrointestinal cancers, indigestion and a subsequent loss of appetite. The dangers of roughage deficiency even extend to skin diseases, eczema, premature aging and hundreds of mild to serious conditions.
Remedies: Cabbage is very rich in fiber, the main health benefit of roughage. This helps the body retain water and it maintains the bulkiness of the food as it moves through the bowels. Thus, it is a good remedy for constipation and other digestion-related problems.
Deficiency of Sulphur
Sulphur is a very useful nutrient because it fights infections. A deficiency of sulphur can result in microbial infections and a greatly reduced rate in the healing of wounds.
Cabbage is rich is sulphur. So, it helps fight infections in wounds and reduces the frequency and severity of ulcers.
Other Health Benefits of Cabbage
Cancer Prevention: Cabbage is a member of the Brassica family, also known as cruciferous vegetables. One of their most important celebrated benefits to health is their powerful antioxidant quality. This means that cabbage and other similar vegetables scavenge free radicals from around the body, which can be very detrimental to overall health and are major contributors to things like cancer and heart disease.Cabbage also has a number of anti-cancer compounds, like lupeol, sinigrin, and sulforaphane, which are known to stimulate enzyme activity and inhibit the growth of tumors, which can lead to cancer. One study, performed primarily on Chinese women, showed a significant reduction in breast cancer when cruciferous vegetables like cabbage were regularly added to their diet.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Cabbage is known to accumulate a build-up of cadmium-binding complexes in its leaves, and one of the main components of that is glutamine. Glutamine is a strong anti-inflammatory agent, so consuming cabbage can reduce the effects of many type of inflammation, irritation, allergies, joint pain, fever, and various skin disorders.
Eye Health: Cabbage is a rich source of beta-carotene, so many people, particularly as they get older, turn to cabbage for its ability to prevent macular degeneration and generally promote good eye health and the delay of cataract formation. Beta-carotene has also been positively linked to reduced chances of prostate cancer, which is an extra bonus on top of the other anti-carcinogenic effects of cabbage!
Weight Loss: Cabbage is frequently recommended for people who want to lose weight in a healthy way. Since cabbage is packed with so many beneficial vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, it is a healthy dietary option for people to eat a lot of, and it is quite filling, since it has high levels of fiber, which add bulk to the bowels. However, cabbage is extremely low in calories, only 33 calories in a cup of cooked cabbage. Therefore, people can go on the popular “cabbage soup” diet, and eat plenty of food to stay healthy, without gaining excess weight!
Brain Health: Let’s not forget that cabbage is a very powerful brain food! The presence of Vitamin K and anthocyanins within cabbage can give a strong boost to mental function and concentration. These are primarily found in red cabbage, and vitamin K has been well-researched, although it is often called the “forgotten vitamin”. Vitamin K is essential in the production of sphingolipids, the myelin sheath around around nerves. This wrapping is what protects nerves from damage and decay. Therefore, consuming vitamin K can improve your defense against neural degeneration, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia.
Furthermore, the anthocyanins in cabbage are a current area of research, but early indications point to it being a more powerful source of antioxidants than vitamin-C, and red cabbage has even more types of anthocyanins than normal cabbage. It also appears that the nutrient uptake is not limited by anything, and that people can eat as much cabbage as they want, and continue to accumulate antioxidants, which help fight off diseases, reduce chances of cancer, improve the nervous system, and increase brain function.
Bone Health: Cabbage, as well as all cruciferous vegetables, are great sources of minerals, like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These three essential minerals are integral in the protection of bones from degradation and the onset of conditions like osteoporosis and general bone weakening.
Blood Pressure: The presence of potassium in cabbage also makes it a wonderful way to protect yourself from elevated blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Potassium is a vasodilator, which means that it opens up the blood vessels and eases the flow of blood, so it isn’t being forced in a stress-inducing way through constricted arteries and veins. Overall, cabbage is a great shield against many types of dangerous conditions!
Skin and Premature Aging:
As mentioned already, cabbage has a wealth of different antioxidant sources, including vitamin-C, anthocyanins, sulphur, and other smaller sources, since it is a cruciferous vegetable. Antioxidants play a major role in skin health and the general toning and improvement of the body in response to the aging process. Free radicals can be an underlying cause of wrinkles, skin discoloration, spots, and many other conditions. Therefore, the antioxidants you gain by eating cabbage can cause a turn-around in your aging processes, leaving you feeling and looking healthy and young!
Muscle Aches: When certain bacteria ferment the sugars in cabbage, such as during the cooking of sauerkraut, lactic acid is released. It isn’t the easiest compound to find in a diet, but it has been shown to reduce muscle soreness and aches, so in some small way, cabbage can help general pain relief and muscle soreness, depending on how it is prepared.
Detoxification by cabbage
Cabbage acts as a good detoxifier too, meaning that it purifies the blood and removes toxins, primarily free radicals and uric acid which are primary causes of rheumatism, gout, arthritis, renal calculi, skin diseases, and eczema. This detoxifying effect of cabbage is due to the high content of vitamin C and sulphur in cabbage.
Iodine
Cabbage, being rich in iodine, helps in proper functioning of the brain and the nervous system, along with keeping the glands of the endocrine system in proper condition. It is good for the brain and is useful in the treatment of neural disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. The various other nutrients present in cabbage, such as vitamin-E, keep the skin, eyes and hair healthy. The calcium, magnesium, and potassium found in cabbage is very useful for a wide range of healh benefits. Cabbage can also be used for the treatment of varicose veins, leg ulcers, peptic and duodenal ulcers.
Basically, that very common component of your Chinese dishes could be a miraculous addition to your diet. Don’t be afraid to add cabbage to your daily diet, whether it is in your soup or salad, and that small change will help you live a healthier and longer life.
Cooked cabbage is how most people get it into their diet or system, but the cooking actually causes many of the nutrients to be lost, particularly the high levels of vitamin-C, and the other nutrients will become harder for the body to absorb. The best option is to eat the cabbage raw!
Source: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/health-benefits-of-cabbage.html
What Is Cabbage Good For?
by Dr MercolaThe Cabbage Advantage
Descended from cabbage grown wild in Mediterranean regions thousands of years ago, the leaves in today’s varieties sometimes have interesting dissimilarities. Some appear wide-spread and waffled, while others are smooth and tightly bunched. The colors vary as well, presenting pale green, blue green, red, reddish purple, and nearly white. All have very short stems which, other than garden dirt on the very end, are just as delicious and nutritious as the leaves.
Cabbage is best prepared as close to raw as possible – sometimes called tender-crisp – to preserve this veggie’s many nutrients.
Coleslaw may be the most familiar cabbage preparation for Americans, but it’s also revered world-wide for the scrumptious flavor it lends to many kinds of hot soup.
Health Benefits of Cabbage
Cabbage has the highest amount of some of the most powerful antioxidants found in cruciferous vegetables – phytonutrients such as thiocyanates, lutein, zeaxanthin, isothiocyanates, and sulforaphane, which stimulate detoxifying enzymes. Research has shown these compounds to protect against several types of cancer, including breast, colon, and prostate cancers. They also help lower the LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or “bad cholesterol” levels in blood, which can build up in arteries and cause heart disease.Rich in vitamin K, cabbage provides 85 percent of the body’s daily requirement. This is very important, not only for bone metabolism, but as a known Alzheimer’s disease preventative by limiting neuronal damage in the brain. The 54 percent daily value of vitamin C supplied to the body with one serving of cabbage is impressive, too – even more than oranges – which can help scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals and protect against infection.
Cabbage is also an excellent source of fiber, vitamin B6, folate, and manganese, as well as healthy amounts of thiamin (vitamin B1), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), and pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). It also provides iron, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium for strong bones, and potassium for regulating the heart rate and blood pressure.
Cabbage Nutrition FactsServing Size: One cup (89 grams) of raw cabbage | ||
|---|---|---|
Amt. Per Serving
| ||
| Calories | 22 | |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g | |
| Sugar | 3 g | |
| Fiber | 2 g | |
| Protein | 1 g | |
| Sodium | 16 g | |
Studies Done on Cabbage
Evidence in abundance shows cabbage to be an amazing cure for stomach ulcers, due to its high phytonutrient content. One in particular – indole-3-carbinol – has research behind it proving it to prevent and slow the growth of cancer cells.1 Two tablespoons of cooked cabbage a day has been shown to protect study subjects against stomach cancer, and speeding up estrogen metabolism to help block breast cancer and inhibit polyp growth, a forerunner of colon cancer. Another report showed a 66 percent cut in colon cancer in men who ate cabbage once a week.2Compounds in cabbage strengthen stomach muscles, which helps resist acid attacks, according to another study. A household European remedy for stomach ulcers, backed up by scientific research, showed complete healing within 10 days of drinking just one cup of cabbage juice a day. That study backed up research done in the 1950s in which a quart of cabbage juice was taken per day, with similar healing affect.
Cabbage Healthy Recipes: Indian Cabbage Salad
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon black mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 4 cups white or red cabbage, shredded
- 1 teaspoon salt
1. In a heavy skillet over medium heat, heat coconut oil.
2. Add mustard seeds and turmeric, sauté for 1 minute.
3. Stir in cabbage; add salt, stir-fry for a couple more minutes.
4. Add a few tablespoons of water, cover, and let cabbage steam for a couple more minutes.
5. Remove from heat and serve. This recipe makes four servings.
(From Healthy Recipes for Your Nutritional Type by Dr. Joseph Mercola)
Cabbage Fun Facts
Spiced cabbage in vinegar was a staple food for sailors on long voyages, not just for New Year good fortune, but because of the many vitamins, probiotics, and nutrients it provided. Salted boiled cabbage was also added to the rice given to workers on the Great Wall of China, giving them strength and endurance.Source: http://foodfacts.mercola.com/cabbage.html
HEALTH BENEFITS OF CABBAGE
This parcel of vegetable is nutrient-packed and low in calorie. It is impressive with its high content levels of calcium, iron, iodine, potassium, sulfur, and phosphorus. In the vitamins department, it is loaded with vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, E, K and folate.
This humble vegetable is a rich source of a number of phytonutrients which help boost our defense mechanisms, blocks the reaction of cancer-causing substances, detoxifies and eliminates harmful toxins and hormones, and stimulates production of antibodies to fight cancer.
HEALTH BENEFITS
The anti-cancer properties in cabbage makes it a powerfully healing food in combating the much feared disease, cancer. Studies after studies have shown that fresh cabbage juice has been effective in the treatment of a number of cancers and ulceration in the digestive tracts.
Anemia: The super healing effect of the superior chlorophyll in cabbage has been found to be good for blood building.
Breast engorgement: Peel off the outer layers of cabbage, run it slightly under the rolling pin and cap it over the breasts as close to the skin as possible, to soothe breasts engorgement. Wear your maternity brassiere over the cabbage and leave till the cabbage leaves wither. I have tried this and found it to be rather soothing, the preferred natural and cheaper alternative over taking drugs.
Cancer: Daily and frequent consumption of cabbage juice has shown to be effective in preventing and treating cancers of the breast, colon, liver, lung and ovarian. A compound in cabbage, sulforaphane, also helps protect cells from invasion of carcinogens.
Constipation: The slightly laxative effect of cabbage makes it effective in stimulating bowel movement. Eat the uncooked cabbage, either on its own, or juiced.
Digestive system: The amino acid glutamine in cabbage juice is totally gentle and cleansing on the digestive system, detoxifying, repairing ulcers, healing and regenerating. The juice is to be taken in small amounts of about 100 ml, three times a day on an empty stomach.
Immune system: A compound called histidine in cabbage is found to be useful in treating allergies and regulating the T-cells in our immune systems.
Skin wounds: Flatten layers of cabbage leaves with a rolling pin, and wrap it around affected areas of wound—blisters, sores, skin eruptions (as in psoriasis), burns and ulcers. Keep in place with a bandage, until the leaves turn yellow then change the leaves and repeat till wounds heal. In between changes, clean and dry wounds.
Stomach and intestinal tracts: The high sulphur, chlorine and iodine content in cabbage have the significant ability in cleansing the mucus membranes in the tracts.
Weight loss: A substance in cabbage inhibits the conversion of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat, definitely a painless way of dieting.
CONSUMPTION TIPS
When buying cabbage, choose the smaller variety, they taste better.Cabbage is easier to digest in its raw fresh form than when cooked. The longer it is cooked, the less digestible it becomes. Cabbage sprouts are delicate and easier to digest, and they also contain higher levels of nutrients.
Avoid buying precut cabbage that are either halved or shredded. The moment the cabbage is cut, it begins to lose its nutrient contents. To store, keep the vegetable refrigerated in a perforated plastic bag to prevent loss of its vitamin C.
CAUTION
Raw cabbage juice may be unpalatable for some people, but the health benefits of its raw state is immense. You can also use the purple cabbage as they are the sweeter variety.
To make it easier on the taste buds, mix your cabbage juice with any of these: carrot, green apple, celery, cucumber, spinach or even a slice of lemon (with peel). See how to make a great-tasting cabbage juice that is very healing for peptic ulcer.
Take raw cabbage juice in small amounts initially if you are unfamiliar with drinking vegetable juice, gradually increasing.
Cabbage consumption may cause gas in some people, especially when cooked. In this case, add a few slices of turmeric in cooking to prevent gas, or limit your cabbage intake.
Source: http://juicing-for-health.com/health-benefits-of-cabbage.html
Cabbage may not be the trendiest of vegetables, but it has been a mainstay of our diets for centuries. It’s versatile, it comes in many different varieties and it’s surprisingly good for you too. Read on and find out just how good for you it is, with these ten health benefits of cabbage:
1. Cabbage is good for the brain
Cabbage, especially red cabbage, has a very high Vitamin K content, which helps with your mental functions and improves your concentration. It also helps to prevent damage to the nerves and provides you with a defence against Alzheimer’s disease.
2. It has anti-ageing properties
Health benefits of cabbage include anti-ageing. Eating cabbage regularly can help to slow down the signs of ageing. It contains a good supply of Vitamin C, which keeps the skin looking young and healthy.
3. It improves the complexion
Cabbage is great for the skin, thanks to its Vitamin A content, which rejuvenates the tissues. It also contains Folate, which human body uses to repair DNA and it also helps in cell division and growth; cabbage also contains Vitamin E that nourishes skin.
5. It helps to stop excessive bleeding
A single portion of cabbage contains about 80% of your daily requirement of Vitamin K. It is this vitamin that the body uses in the blood clotting process, so, if you find that you bleed for a long time when you have cut yourself, try eating more cabbage.
6. It is a good source of folic acid
All leafy green vegetables, like cabbage, are good sources of folic acid (or folate), which doctors recommend for pregnant women because it helps to promote healthy development of unborn child.
7. It helps you lose weight
Health benefits of cabbage also include weight loss. Cabbage is a fibre rich, low calorie food which can easily be added to many meals. Increase your portion size of cabbage, and it will leave you feeling full but for less calories. A single, average sized serving of cabbage (1 cup), contains less than 25 calories.
9. Cabbage is good for the digestion
Better digestion is another one of wonderful health benefits of cabbage. We are probably all familiar with the noticeable ‘side effect’ that cabbage can have on some people! That is because cabbage is such a good source of fibre, which means that you can eat it to cure constipation and it will also help your digestive system running smoothly. You know what we mean!
10. It can help to protect against cancer
Eating cabbage can help to protect you against the effects of carcinogens. The vegetable contains phytonutrients and glucosinolates, which are believed to be effective in fighting off cancer.
Source: http://www.beautyandtips.com/healthy-eating/10-fabulous-health-benefits-of-cabbage/
1. Cabbage is good for the brain
Cabbage, especially red cabbage, has a very high Vitamin K content, which helps with your mental functions and improves your concentration. It also helps to prevent damage to the nerves and provides you with a defence against Alzheimer’s disease.
2. It has anti-ageing properties
Health benefits of cabbage include anti-ageing. Eating cabbage regularly can help to slow down the signs of ageing. It contains a good supply of Vitamin C, which keeps the skin looking young and healthy.
3. It improves the complexion
Cabbage is great for the skin, thanks to its Vitamin A content, which rejuvenates the tissues. It also contains Folate, which human body uses to repair DNA and it also helps in cell division and growth; cabbage also contains Vitamin E that nourishes skin.
4. It boosts your immune system
Cabbage is very good for your immune system too, so it can help to keep infections and disease at bay. Cabbage contains phytonutrients and antioxidants, as well as it’s high in Vitamin C, all of which help to boost your immune system.5. It helps to stop excessive bleeding
A single portion of cabbage contains about 80% of your daily requirement of Vitamin K. It is this vitamin that the body uses in the blood clotting process, so, if you find that you bleed for a long time when you have cut yourself, try eating more cabbage.
6. It is a good source of folic acid
All leafy green vegetables, like cabbage, are good sources of folic acid (or folate), which doctors recommend for pregnant women because it helps to promote healthy development of unborn child.
7. It helps you lose weight
Health benefits of cabbage also include weight loss. Cabbage is a fibre rich, low calorie food which can easily be added to many meals. Increase your portion size of cabbage, and it will leave you feeling full but for less calories. A single, average sized serving of cabbage (1 cup), contains less than 25 calories.
8. It helps to combat heart disease
Heart disease is generally caused by the arteries becoming blocked with bad cholesterol. Cabbage is cholesterol free and it contains plenty of dietary fibre, which helps to remove cholesterol from the body.9. Cabbage is good for the digestion
Better digestion is another one of wonderful health benefits of cabbage. We are probably all familiar with the noticeable ‘side effect’ that cabbage can have on some people! That is because cabbage is such a good source of fibre, which means that you can eat it to cure constipation and it will also help your digestive system running smoothly. You know what we mean!
10. It can help to protect against cancer
Eating cabbage can help to protect you against the effects of carcinogens. The vegetable contains phytonutrients and glucosinolates, which are believed to be effective in fighting off cancer.
Source: http://www.beautyandtips.com/healthy-eating/10-fabulous-health-benefits-of-cabbage/