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Cabbage is one of the most consumed vegetables in the world including Nigeria and is also an important ingredient when preparing salad or coleslaw.
It has healing properties and is loaded with several essential vitamins and minerals good for the digestive system, skin, hair, and immune system
It comes in a variety of shapes and colors, including red, purple, white, and green, and its leaves can be either crinkled or smooth.
If you have been overlooking Cabbage, here are some of its health benefits.
1. Good for the Brain
Cabbage is also known as brain food.Vitamin K and anthocyanins in cabbage promote mental function and focus. Vitamin K is also important to protect the nerve cells from damage and prevent degenerative diseases. Cabbage is also a rich source of iodine which is an essential nutrient for the brain.
2Anti-inflammatory and blood sugar regulator.
The natural red pigments of red cabbage (betalains) is said to lower blood sugar levels and boost insulin production. Of course it has no white sugars and very few simple sugars. Betalains have powerful anti-inflammatory properties just like beets.
3. Boosts Immunity
Being loaded with Vitamin C and antioxidants, cabbage helps boost immunity. It supports the immune system and fights off various diseases.
4. Promotes Weight Loss
As cabbage is loaded with essential nutrients and contains almost no calories or fats, hence it is perfect for people who are on a weight loss diet. If you don’t like to eat cabbage in the form of vegetables, you can drink cabbage juice.
5. Helps with digestion
Cabbage is high in fibre, which makes it healthy for the digestive tract. Eating cabbage can provide relief from constipation and digestive issues. This is very effective in treating constipation and related gastrointestinal disorders.
6. Prevents Cancer
Daily and frequent consumption of cabbage juice have shown to be effective in preventing and treating cancers. A compound in cabbage, sulforaphane, also helps protect cells from the invasion of carcinogens.
The compounds, lupeol, sinigrin and sulforaphane, stimulate enzyme activity and inhibit the growth of cancer tumors. A study on women showed a reduction in breast cancer when cruciferous vegetables like cabbage were added to their diet.
7. Good for Pregnant Women
Cabbage is an abundant source of folates. Folates are critical nutrients required in the early developmental stages of the foetus. The absence of folates can cause neural tube defects and other congenital disabilities in babies. Hence, this vegetable is good for pregnant women. However, it should not be consumed raw as eating raw or uncooked may lead to premature delivery or even miscarriage.
8. Treats Peptic Ulcer
The presence of anti-inflammation compounds such as glucosinolates helps reduce peptic ulcers in the stomach. Cabbage juice is a remedy for ulcers. It eases the inflammation in the stomach lining and speeds up the recovery process.
9. Promotes good skin
Cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables contain a high amount of Vitamin C and E, which help in the production of collagen, the compound which keeps the skin elastic and wrinkle-free. Vitamin A along with Vitamin D protects the skin and gives you youthful skin.
10.Helps control blood pressure
The high potassium content helps by opening up blood vessels, easing the flow of blood. research shows that it can do far more than maintain the structural integrity of the brain and the nervous system.
11. Prevents Cataract
It 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 promote good eye health and delay cataract formation.
12. Cabbage for headaches
A warm compress made with cabbage leaves can help relieve the pain of a headache. Crush cabbage leaves, place in a cloth and apply on the forehead. Also, drink raw cabbage juice, 1-2 oz. (25-50ml) daily for chronic headaches. credit:fabwoman.ng
