12 benefits of cabbage for your health
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 goes back to ancient Greece, when fresh juice of white cabbage was used to treat sore or infected eyes. The Romans and Egyptians drank cabbage juice before meals to avoid intoxication.
Different types of cabbages
There are different types of cabbages, and these can be consumed raw or cooked. The taste of this varies, but they are foods rich in vitamins, iron, and potassium, and are widely used in kitchens of different cultures.
Some of the most popular varieties of cabbage are:
- Cauliflower : It can have different tonalities (white, purple or green). It contains a large amount of nutrients and a low caloric intake.
- Cabbage cabbage : It's the classic cabbage. Two types can be distinguished: the early ones, with small buds; and the later ones, with larger buds.
- Col de Milan : It has characteristic leaves of dark or light green color. It is usually used in stews, soups and other dishes.
- Brussels sprouts : It is originally from Belgium as its name suggests, and stands out for its small size.
- Purple Cabbage : As its name also indicates, its leaves have a purple color, due to the presence of a pigment called anthocyanin.
Benefits of cabbage for health
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 "mineral of the beauty of nature". It has a drying effect on the skin that plays a decisive role against acne. Also, it is vital for the synthesis of keratin, a substance is essential for healthy hair, nails and skin. It also helps in cleaning the blood and removing bacteria and toxins from the body.
2. Prevents hair loss
The raw juices of cabbage and cucumber are rich in silicon and sulfur, two essential minerals for growth and prevention of hair loss. 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. You can perform this procedure three days a week.
3. It favors the 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 more beta-carotene content than green cabbage. Beta-carotene plays an important role in enhancing vision, especially night vision, and helps protect the eye tissue against free radical damage.
5. Improves brain functioning
Being rich in iodine, cabbage is beneficial for the proper functioning of the brain and nervous system. This mineral also plays a decisive role in maintaining the health of the endocrine system. Also, cabbage cabbage contains vitamin K and anthocyanins that help maintain mental function and concentration at an adequate level.
6. It 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 for the protection of bones against degradation. It is also important to prevent some age-related bone problems such as osteoporosis and general weakening of the bone.
7. Rejuvenates
Cabbage cabbage contains "indole-3-carbinol", a powerful antioxidant that plays an important role in the detoxification of the liver. 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 staining. But vitamin C and vitamin A also combats wrinkles and sagging skin, are essential to help maintain healthy hair follicles and scalp oils in good condition. In short, you'll look younger.
8. Help burn fat
Cabbage helps burn fat and, in addition, is the key food of a well-known diet called "cabbage soup diet" . This diet was used in the 50s and is still used today. The cabbage soup diet is a strict diet that consists of consuming cabbage soup along with other low calorie foods.
9. Maintains a healthy blood pressure
Potassium is good for cardiovascular health, it is a vasodilator , which means that it opens the arteries and veins and facilitates the flow of blood. 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 series of anticancer compounds, such as lupeol , sinigrin and sulforaphane. Research of these compounds has been shown to stimulate enzymatic activity and inhibit carcinogenic growth. Research in China showed that cabbage consumption significantly reduced the likelihood of breast cancer.
11. Healthier muscles
Brussels cabbage is a protein rich food , and other types of cabbage contain an abundant amount of glutamine. Glutamine is one of the amino acids that are found in more quantity in our muscles. When there is a deficit of glutamine in the body, the body begins to consume its own muscle, with the consequent loss of muscle tissue.
12. Prevents diseases
Recent research says that consumption of cabbage, especially red cabbage, can prevent Alzheimer's disease. The vitamin K that is widely found in cabbage is responsible for this.
Also, potassium present in bok choy (Chinese cabbage) not only helps in the treatment of hypertension, but keeps the blood sugar level under control . This mineral can also stimulate our mental well-being by relieving tension, stress and anxiety.
