12 benefits of cabbage for your health
An incredibly nutritious food that can prevent several diseases.
Cabbage is a very popular vegetable and is known for its medicinal properties.. Among them, it is believed to contain chemicals that prevent cancer, Alzheimer's or aging.
The history of the medicinal use of cabbage dates back to Ancient Greece, when the fresh juice of white cabbage was used to treat sore or infected eyes. The Romans and Egyptians drank cabbage juice before meals to prevent intoxication.
Different types of cabbage
There are different types of cabbage, and they can be eaten raw or cooked. The taste varies, but they are foods rich in vitamins, iron, and potassium, and are widely used in the cuisines of different cultures.
Some of the most popular varieties of cabbage are:
- CauliflowerIt can have different shades (white, purple or green). It contains a large amount of nutrients and a low caloric intake.
- CabbageIt is the classic cabbage. Two types can be distinguished: early cabbages, with small heads; and late cabbages, with larger heads.
- Savoy cabbageIt has characteristic dark or light green leaves. It is usually used in stews, soups and other dishes.
- Brussels sproutsIt is originally from Belgium as its name suggests, and is notable for its small size.
- Purple cabbageAs its name also indicates, its leaves have a purple color, due to the presence of a pigment called anthocyanin.
Health benefits of cabbage
There are many benefits of cabbage for our health. Below you can find a list that will help you understand why you should eat this vegetable..
1. Treats acne
Sulfur is considered "nature's beauty mineral". It has a drying effect on the skin that plays a determining role against acne. It is also vital for the synthesis of keratin, a substance that is essential for healthy hair, nails and skin. It also helps in cleansing the blood and eliminating bacteria and toxins from the body.
2. Prevents hair loss
Raw cabbage and cucumber juices are rich in silicon and sulfur, two minerals essential for hair growth and hair loss prevention. Combining these two vegetables and applying them directly on the scalp (with a 10-minute massage) before going to bed is beneficial to prevent hair loss. This procedure can be done three days a week.
3. Promotes digestion
Cabbage is very rich in fiber and helps the body retain water. Fiber deficiency causes constipation, which is the cause of many other diseases and health risks, such as stomach ulcers, headaches, gastrointestinal cancers, indigestion, etc.
4. Improves vision
Cabbage is a rich source of beta-carotene. It is important to note that red cabbage has almost 10 times the beta-carotene content of green cabbage. Beta-carotene plays an important role in increasing vision, especially night vision, and helps protect eye tissue against free radical damage.
5. Improves brain function
Being rich in iodine, cabbage is beneficial for the proper functioning of the brain and nervous system. This mineral also plays a key role in maintaining the health of the endocrine system. Also, cabbage contains vitamin K and anthocyanins that help maintain mental function and concentration at an adequate level.
6. Promotes bone health
Cabbage is rich in calcium, which is undoubtedly a very important mineral for bone health. Cabbage is also rich in magnesium and potassium. Together, these three essential minerals work to protect bones against degradation. It is also important for preventing some age-related bone problems such as osteoporosis and general bone weakening.
7. Rejuvenates
Cabbage contains "indole-3-carbinol", a potent antioxidant that plays an important role in liver detoxification. The liver is the organ responsible for filtering toxins from the blood. It is beneficial for the skin to maintain a healthy liver, which prevents blemishes. But vitamin C and vitamin A also fight wrinkles and sagging skin, are essential to help keep hair follicles healthy and scalp oils in good condition. In short, you'll look younger.
8. Helps burn fat
Cabbage helps to burn fat and, moreover, is the key food in a very healthy diet, is the key food in a well-known diet called the "cabbage soup diet".. This diet was used in the 1950s and is still used today. The cabbage soup diet is a strict dietary regimen that consists of eating cabbage soup along with other low-calorie foods.
9. Maintains healthy blood pressure
Potassium is good for cardiovascular health because it is a vasodilator, which means it opens up the arteries.which means it opens arteries and veins and facilitates blood flow. Thanks to potassium, your blood is not forced through narrowed arteries and veins. This simple expansion of the arteries helps protect against high Blood Pressure and also decreases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
10. Prevents cancer
In addition to all its antioxidant properties, cabbage also has a number of anti-cancer compounds, such as lupeollupeol, sinigrin and sulforaphane. Research on these compounds has shown that they stimulate enzyme activity and inhibit carcinogenic growth. Research conducted in China showed that consumption of cabbage cabbage significantly reduced the likelihood of breast cancer.
11. Healthier muscles
Brussels sprouts are a protein-rich food.and other types of cabbage contain an abundant amount of glutamine. Glutamine is one of the amino acids found in the highest amounts in our muscles. When there is a deficit of glutamine in the body, the organism begins to consume its own muscle, with the consequent loss of muscle tissue.
12. Prevents diseases
Recent research affirms that the consumption of cabbage, especially red cabbage, can prevent Alzheimer's disease. Vitamin K, which is widely found in cabbage, is responsible for this.
Likewise, the potassium present in bok choy (Chinese cabbage) not only helps in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, but also helps in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. not only helps in the treatment of hypertension, but also keeps the blood sugar level under control.. This mineral can also stimulate our mental well-being by relieving tension, stress and anxiety.
(Updated at Apr 13 / 2024)