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 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 avoid poisoning.
There are different types of cabbages, and these can be consumed raw or cooked. The flavor of this varies, but they are foods rich in vitamins, iron, and potassium, and are widely used in cuisines of different cultures.
Some of the most popular varieties of cabbage are:
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 take this vegetable
1. Treat acne
Sulfur is considered the “beauty mineral of nature.” It has a drying effect on the skin that plays a decisive role against acne. Likewise, it is 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 removing bacteria and toxins from the body.
Raw cabbage and cucumber juices are rich in silicon and sulfur, two minerals essential for hair growth and prevention of hair loss. Combining these two vegetables and applying them directly to 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. Importantly, 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 determining role in maintaining the health of the endocrine system. Likewise, collard greens contain 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, without a doubt, is 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 weakening of the bone.
7. Rejuvenates
Cabbage contains “indole-3-carbinol”, a powerful 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 keep the liver healthy, which prevents spots. But vitamin C and vitamin A also fight wrinkles and sagging skin, they are essential to help keep hair follicles healthy and scalp oils in good condition. In short, you will look younger.
Cabbage helps burn fat and, in addition, It is the key food of 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 eating regimen that consists of consuming cabbage soup along with other low-calorie foods.
9. Maintains healthy blood pressure
Potassium is good for cardiovascular health, as it is a vasodilator , which means it opens the arteries and veins and facilitates blood flow. Thanks to potassium, your blood is not forced to pass 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 lupeol , sinigrin and sulforaphane. Research into these compounds has shown that they stimulate enzymatic activity and inhibit carcinogenic growth. Research carried out in China showed that the consumption of cabbage significantly reduced the probability of suffering from 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 greatest quantity in our muscles. When there is a glutamine deficiency in the body, the body begins to consume its own muscle, with the consequent loss of muscle tissue.
12. Prevents diseases
Recent research claims that consuming cabbage, especially red cabbage, can prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Vitamin K widely found in cabbage is responsible for this.
Likewise, the potassium present in bok choy (Chinese cabbage) Not only does it help in the treatment of hypertension, but it keeps blood sugar level under control This mineral can also stimulate our mental well-being by relieving tension, stress and anxiety.
