Cabbage Health Benefits

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

Cabbage Facts
It is known for being an excellent source of many essential vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. It is one of the richest sources of vitamin C, K, E, A and folic acid. Among the minerals, 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 of cabbage approximately contains about 15 calories, 4.3 gm carbohydrates, 2.2 gm dietary fiber and 0.1 gm fat. The same quantity of cabbage contain almost 21.7 mg of vitamin C, 48.2 mcg of 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 of potassium.

Advantages of Eating Cabbage
In traditional medicine, cabbage leaves are used for alleviating inflammation, while modern studies have revealed its effectiveness in lowering 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. Its fresh juice has also been found to be very effective for healing stomach or peptic ulcers. This is due to the high sulfur content of cabbage, which is required by the body to fight infections.

It 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 the free radicals. Similarly, the powerful phytonutrients found in this vegetable can also provide protection against the harmful free radicals. At the same time, phytonutrients have the ability to trigger the production of certain enzymes, that can detoxify the body. The red cabbage is particularly rich in these beneficial phytonutrients. Additionally, red cabbage contains the pigment anthocyanin, which itself is a powerful antioxidant, that can protect the brain cells from the free radical damage.

Some other health benefits are, providing relief in constipation, improving vision, lowering the level of serum cholesterol, prevention of Alzheimer's disease and inhibiting the growth of tumors. The high fiber content makes it very beneficial for digestive health. Vitamin K found in cabbage, on the other hand is known for playing an important role in the blood clotting process. It's also very low in calories and it can help to build muscles.

There is little doubt why this vegetable was termed as the "drug of the poor" in the middle ages. Truly, there are only a few of vegetables enriched with so many vital nutrients and health benefits. Besides, this great vegetable can be consumed in several ways, as delicious soups, salads or even as pickle. In whatever way you consume, cabbage will help you to lead a long and healthy life.