Thursday, April 28, 2011

Health Benefits of Cabbage


Health Benefits of Cabbage
Health Benefits of Cabbage
Cabbage ‘The drug of the poor’ is botanically known as Brassica oleracea. The health benefits of the cabbage are known for ages. It is a relatively cheaper than any other vegetable. It is a perennial vegetable. Cabbages are sturdy and strong. Cabbage has a round shape and is composed of superimposed leaf layers. Cabbages grown late in autumn and in the beginning of winter. The only part of the plant that is normally eaten is the leafy head. There are three major types of cabbage: green, red and Savoy. Red cabbages contain significantly more protective phytonutrients than white cabbages. There are many varieties of cabbage like the ‘Danish Ballhead’, ‘Late Flat Dutch’ etc.,
Cabbage helps cure ulcers and prevents colon cancer. It is rich in fiber and low in calories. The fiber content helps the intestines to stay healthy. It helps is reduced absorption of iodine and prevents thyroid disorders. It is an excellent source of beta- carotene. The beta-carotene helps prevent cataract. Cabbage is rich in vitamin A, B, C, E. Cabbage is rich in minerals like Thiamin, riboflavin, calcium, potassium, magnesium and proteins. It helps boost immunity. Cabbages are used to treat acute inflammation. It helps relieve painfully engorged breasts. Alzheimer’s which is caused due to the accumulation of a protein called beta-amyloid results in damage of the brain cell. The antioxidant polyphones which is present in cabbage can protect the brain cells from such a damage. Raw cabbage juice is said to cure ulcers. The cabbage is a good source of folic acid which lowers the risk of having babies with Spina bifida.
Cabbages are available in the market in abundance. While choosing the cabbages the following points should be kept in mind.
1. Avoid buying precut cabbages.
2. Choose cabbages that are dense and firm.
3. Avoid cabbages with too many loose leaves.
4. Store cabbages in a cool place to make them stay fresh for longer duration.
5. Once cabbages are cut wrap them up tightly in a plastic bag and store else the vitamin c component starts to degrade.
Napa cabbage has a mild sweet taste and is incredible in stir fry dishes. Shredded raw cabbage is usually used in salads, such as coleslaw. Cabbage is often added to soups or stews.
Nutritive Values of Cabbage : Per 100 gm.
* Vitamin A : 80 I.U.
* Vitamin c : 50 mg.
* Calcium : 46 mg.
* Phosphorus : 31 mg.
* Potassium : 140 mg.
* Carbohydrates : 5.3 gm.
* Protein : 1.4 gm.
* Calories : 24
MORE Health Benefits of Cabbage
* Being rich in vitamin A, cabbage is said to be very good for your eyes as well as your skin.
* Cabbage contains phytonutrients that help the body in fighting against the free radicals responsible for damaging the cell membranes. At the same time, phytonutrients aid the production of enzymes that help in detoxification.
* Cabbage has been found to be associated with lower incidence of cancer, especially lung, stomach and colon prostate cancer.
* The vegetable is very good for building of muscles and thus, getting a healthy body. This is because it is rich in iodine, which is necessary for proper muscle development.
* Researches have proved that fresh cabbage juice helps in the healing of stomach ulcer.
* Fresh cabbage juice comprises of sulfur and is thus, very effective in the treatment of fungus infection. Gastritis is also effectively treated by cabbage juice.
* Cabbage has been related to lowering of serum cholesterol.
* The vitamin B in cabbage helps in sustaining veracity of nerve endings as well as boosting of energy metabolism.
* Red cabbage contains an antioxidant known as anthocyanin. This antioxidant is believed to be helpful in protection of brain cells and thus, in the avoidance of Alzheimer’s disease.
* Cabbage also contains lots of vitamin C and vitamin D. The former helps in the burning of fat, while the latter helps maintain skin vigor.
* Sulforaphane, found in cabbage, augments the production of antioxidant and detoxification enzymes in the body.
* Cabbage contains lactic acid that acts to disinfect colon. Lactic acid is also a significant source of energy for the body. It even helps reduce soreness of muscles.
* Drinking 25-50 ml of cabbage juice helps treat headache, asthma, bronchitis and digestion problems.
* Cabbage is known to have detoxifying properties. It purifies the blood and works to remove toxins from the body. The vitamin C and sulphur present in cabbage accounts for its detoxifying qualities.
* Free radicals and uric acid, which are identified to be the main cause of rheumatism, gout, arthritis, renal calculi, skin diseases, eczema, hardening and de-colorization of skin etc, are also removed from the body due to cabbage consumption.
* Cabbage is an anti-inflammatory vegetable and therefore, drinking its juice, retrieved from the stems, is an effective remedy against ulcers.

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