Health Benefits of Kale Cabbage

There is a Russian proverb which means, "Having a good wife and rich cabbage soup, seek not other things". This seems true, considering the health benefits of cabbages, especially, Kale cabbage. In fact, according to news reports, from the Daily Mail, UK, this species of cabbage was the most popular during the Second World War. It was easy to grow during the tough war times and it sufficed almost all the nutritional requirements for those who consumed it.

The Kale cabbage falls under the species Brassica, which includes a plethora of vegetables - broccoli, cauliflower, collard greens and Brussels sprouts. Kale cabbage is believed to be closer to the wild cabbage than other domesticated forms. It is typically grown in Northern Europe and America. One of the most robust types, it rarely grows in tropical areas. The most exotic types of Kale cabbage are found in cooler climates. They can grow in almost all types of soil, provided the drainage system is good. Moreover, the fact that it hardly suffers from pests and other diseases, gives it an added advantage. The place where Kale cabbages are grown are called Kale fields.

Kale has a number of health benefits because of its richness when it comes to vitamins and other vitals nutrients. To start with, this cabbage is rich in calcium and has high amount of lutein,vitamins A, C, K, E and iron.

• Vitamin E is responsible for making Kale an effective antioxidant. Studies have shown that having Kale can actually slow down the decline in mental performance as a result of aging. So, if three servings of this leafy vegetable are consumed everyday, be sure that your memory is going to flatter you!
• Manganese is another very important nutrient present in Kale, which is beneficial for health.
• Vitamin A and beta carotene content in Kale is excellent for the lungs and eyes.
• Vitamin C, on the other hand, is responsible for the production of antioxidants and strengthening the immune system. It also is a very good shield against rheumatoid arthritis.
• The natural phytochemicals sulforaphane and indoles present in Kale, according to research, may give protection against cancer. In addition to that, sulforaphane helps in enhancing the detoxifying enzymes of the body. This results in clearing the carcinogenic substances from the body. A study done in 2004 also suggested that sulforaphane helps to stop the proliferation of breast cancer cells.
• Carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin are present in abundance in Kale. These act like natural sunglass filters, protecting our eyes from the harmful ultraviolet rays. There are less chances of developing cataract if Kale is consumed regularly.

If all this not enough, eating Kale can suffice fiber content requirement of the body easily. A cup of Kale with its fiber content reduces the cholesterol and sugar levels in the body. For stronger bones, consuming the required quota of calcium present in Kale on a regular basis will do the trick. Apart from these, Kale consumption is believed to reduce the potent risks of lung, colon, bladder, ovarian and breast cancers.

With all the excellent nutritional qualities and health benefits that Kale has, it can surely be said that if not an apple, a bowlful of Kale a day, can definitely keep the doctor away!