There are many varieties of cabbage. There are green and red cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts. Kale is the most cultivated variety and the best-known in the world.
The origin of this vegetable dates back to the Greek and Roman civilizations. They are the first to have used cabbage for its culinary and medicinal properties. The introduction of cabbage in Europe was made by the Celtic, in 600 BC. Besides flavor, cabbage has beneficial health properties including the following.
17 Health Benefits Of Cabbage
Beneficial For Weight Loss
Cabbage is considered a smart food. It has a level of calories and it contains very low fat. It is rich in fibers that prevent the conversion of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat.
It Relieves Constipation
Cabbage is rich in fiber and the laxative effect makes it effective in stimulating bowel and water retention and preventing constipation and other digestive problems.
An Anti-cancer
Fresh cabbage juice is effective in the treatment of ulcers of the digestive tract, breast, colon, liver, lung, and ovarian cancer. It contains preventive compounds, lupeol, sinigrin and sulforaphane, which help protect cells from the invasion of carcinogens.
Strengthening Immunity
A cabbage called histidine compounds is useful in the treatment of allergies and the regulation of T cells in the immune system. Cabbage contains very high levels of vitamin C and antioxidants that strengthen the immune system.
Digestive Detoxification
The -glutamine amino acid and the high sulfur, chlorine, and iodine contained in the cabbage juice cleanse gently detoxify and heal the mucous membranes of the digestive tract and stomach ulcers.
A Cure For The Skin
Cabbage leaf poultices on the affected areas of blisters, sores, and rashes such as psoriasis, burns, or ulcers, accelerate the healing process. Antioxidants, Vitamin-C, anthocyanins, and sulfur fight against free radicals responsible for wrinkles, discoloration, stains, and many other skin diseases.
Food For The Brain
Red cabbage contains vitamin K, iodine, and anthocyanins that improve mental function and concentration, prevent neural degeneration, improve defense against Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and keep the endocrine glands healthy.
A Detoxifying
Vitamin C and sulfur contained in cabbage purify the blood and remove toxins such as uric acid, leading to causes of rheumatism, gout, arthritis, kidney stones, skin diseases, and eczema.
Lower Blood Pressure
Potassium is a vasodilator that helps to open and facilitate pressure on the blood vessels. It improves blood flow and fights against cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack or stroke.
Fighting Against Anemia
The healing effect of the chlorophyll contained in the cabbage is very important for the production of blood and to maintain a good level of red blood cells thereby preventing anemia.
A Remedy Against Headaches
The juice made with warm cabbage leaves can help relieve the pain of a headache. Raw cabbage juice can also cure chronic headaches.
It Regulates Blood Sugar
Cabbage has very simple sugars and natural red pigment from red cabbage, and betalains, it lowers the blood sugar levels and stimulates the production of insulin, thus preventing diabetes.
An Anti-inflammatory
Cabbage leaves are rich in glutamine, a strong anti-inflammatory agent that prevents irritation, allergies, joint pain, fever, and various skin conditions.
Cabbage Is Excellent For Eye Health
Cabbage is rich in beta-carotene, which promotes good eye health, it prevents macular degeneration related to age and delays the onset of cataracts.
It Strengthens Bones
Cabbage brings a large amount of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and minerals essential for the protection of bones of osteoporosis and arthritis.
It Relieves Muscle Pain
When the cabbage is cooked, its sugars ferment and allow the secretion of lactic acid which reduces muscle pain.
Other Benefits
Cabbage contains vitamin E which keeps the skin, eyes, and hair healthy. Calcium, magnesium, and potassium found in cabbage are very useful in the treatment of varicose veins of the legs, and peptic and duodenal ulcers.
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Side Effects of Eating Too Much Cabbage
Flatulence: Cabbage contains large amounts of raffinose, a complex and indigestible sugar that passes through the intestines and can cause flatulence and other symptoms such as bloating and referrals.
Diarrhea: Eating too much insoluble fiber in cabbage, can contribute to symptoms of diarrhea and can also clog the intestines.
Interaction with drugs: Cabbage contains a large amount of vitamin K, a vitamin that encourages the creation of blood clots. Therefore, it is not recommended for patients to take anticoagulants
Hypothyroidism: Iodine deficiency coupled with the high consumption of cabbage, prevents the iron uptake process and is fraught with the production of thyroid hormone. However, the consumption of cabbage which is independent of the lack of iodine does not increase the risk of hypothyroidism.
Conclusion
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