Cabbage Health Benefits

Cabbage is a leafy green vegetable of the family Brassicaceae or Cruciferae, the other important members of which are, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and kale. Cabbage is one of the most inexpensive and easily available vegetables throughout the world. The part of the vegetable that is normally eaten is called the 'cabbage head', which is nothing but a cluster of superimposed layers of immature leaves. Like other members of the Cruciferae family, this vegetable is also highly valued for its nutritional value and healing properties.

This vegetable is known for being an excellent source of some essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. It is one of the richest sources of vitamin C, K, E, A, and folic acid. It contains a significantly high level of sulfur, calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium. On the other hand, it does not contain cholesterol and the harmful saturated fats, and is also very low in calories.

70 gm cabbage contains about 15 calories, 4.3 g carbohydrates, 2.2 g dietary fiber, and 0.1 g fat. It also contains about 21.7 mg vitamin C, 48.2 mcg vitamin K, 0.1 mg vitamin E, 700 IU vitamin A, 56 mcg folate, 24.5 mg calcium, 19.6 mg magnesium, 0.3 mg iron, and 161 mg potassium.

In traditional medicine, cabbage leaves are used for alleviating inflammation, while modern studies have revealed that this vegetable can lower the risk of several types of cancer, including stomach and colon cancer. It has detoxifying properties, for which it can purify the blood by eliminating toxins. The fresh juice prepared from the leaves can accelerate the healing of stomach or peptic ulcers.

This vegetable contains a compound, known as sulforaphane, which has been found to exhibit anti-cancer and anti-microbial properties. This compound can stimulate the production of antioxidants, which can protect the body cells and tissues from the oxidative damage, caused by free radicals. The powerful phytonutrients found in this vegetable can also provide protection against the harmful free radicals.

The phytonutrients also have the ability to stimulate the production of certain enzymes, that can detoxify the body. The red cabbage is particularly rich in these beneficial phytonutrients. Additionally, it contains the pigment anthocyanin, which itself is a powerful antioxidant that can protect the brain cells from free radicals.

This nutritious vegetable can also provide relief in constipation, improve vision, lower the level of serum cholesterol, prevent Alzheimer's disease, and inhibit the growth of tumors. The high fiber content makes it very beneficial for the digestive system. Vitamin K, which is found in this vegetable, is known for playing an important role in the blood clotting process.

Due to its immense benefits for the health, this vegetable was named as the "drug of the poor" in the middle ages. Truly, only a few of vegetables are enriched with so many vital nutrients like cabbage. Moreover, this nutritious vegetable can be consumed in several ways. You can use it to prepare delicious soups and salads, or it can be used to make pickles. In whatever way you consume, it will boost your health and the overall sense of well-being.