Cabbages are the Members of the cruciferous family seem to be rich in anti-oxidants and are in the first line of defense against cancer. Cabbage is one of the vegetables that are highly promoted for prevention of cancer.
There are three major varieties of cabbage-green, red and Savoy. The red variety has more nutrients because of its red-to-purple pigmentation. Both the red and green cabbages have smooth-textured leaves, whereas the Savoy is more ruffled and yellowish green in color, according to juicing-for-life.com.
The health benefits of cabbage include frequent use as a treatment for constipation, stomach ulcers, headaches, obesity, skin disorders, eczema, jaundice, scurvy, rheumatism, arthritis, gout, eye disorders, heart diseases, aging, and Alzheimer's disease, according to stylecraze.com.
Health Benefits
Anti-ageing benefits:
Regular consumption of cabbage along with other cruciferous vegetables can provide anti-ageing benefits to the skin. The rich amount of Vitamin C in this vegetable keeps the skin youthful and delays the ageing process. Moreover, Vitamin A works together with Vitamin D to make your skin clear and healthy. It also avoids the destruction of skin cells due to ultraviolet rays.
Cancer Prevention
Cabbage is a member of the Brassica family, also known as cruciferous vegetables. Cabbage has a number of anti-cancer compounds, like lupeol, sinigrin, and sulforaphane, which are known to stimulate enzyme activity and inhibit the growth of tumors, which can lead to cancer. One study, performed showed a significant reduction in breast cancer when cruciferous vegetables like cabbage were regularly added to their diet.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Cabbage is known to accumulate a build-up of cadmium-binding complexes in its leaves, and one of the main components of that is glutamine. Glutamine is a strong anti-inflammatory agent, so consuming cabbage can reduce the effects of many type of inflammation, irritation, allergies, joint pain, fever, and various skin disorders.
Eye Health
Cabbage is a rich source of beta-carotene, so many people, particularly as they get older, turn to cabbage for its ability to prevent macular degeneration and generally promote good eye health and the delay of cataract formation.
Weight Loss
Cabbage is frequently recommended for people who want to lose weight in a healthy way. Since cabbage is packed with so many beneficial vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, it is a healthy dietary option for people to eat a lot of, and it is quite filling, since it has high levels of fiber, which add bulk to the bowels.
Brain Health
The presence of Vitamin K and anthocyanins within cabbage can give a strong boost to mental function and concentration. Vitamin K is essential in the production of sphingolipids, the myelin sheath around nerves. This wrapping is what protects nerves from damage and decay. Therefore, consuming vitamin K can improve your defense against neural degeneration, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia.
Detoxification by cabbage
Cabbage acts as a good detoxifier too, meaning that it purifies the blood and removes toxins, primarily free radicals and uric acid which are primary causes of rheumatism, gout, arthritis, renal calculi, skin diseases, and eczema. This detoxifying effect of cabbage is due to the high content of vitamin C and sulphur in cabbage.
Cabbage for headaches
A warm compress made with cabbage leaves can help relieve the pain of a headache. Crush cabbage leaves, place in a cloth, and apply on the forehead. Also, drink raw cabbage juice 1-2 oz. (25-50ml) daily for chronic headaches.
Constipation
The slightly laxative effect of cabbage makes it effective in stimulating bowel movement.
Digestive system
The amino acid glutamine in cabbage juice is totally gentle and cleansing on the digestive system, detoxifying, repairing ulcers, healing and regenerating. The juice is to be taken in small amounts of about 100 ml, three times a day on an empty stomach.
Immune system
A compound called histidine in cabbage is found to be useful in treating allergies and regulating the T-cells in our immune systems.