About Cabbage – The Leafy Delight

Structurally, the cabbage is a cluster of leaves that give it a circular or a globe-like shape. There are over four hundred varieties of this vegetable which range in shape, size and color. The cabbagecan be round or conical in shape, with a flat or pointy head, and tight or loose leaves in green, purple, red or white.Every variety having a different taste and texture!

Mostly grown in the Mediterranean region, the plant is cultivated once the head has matured.Considered a winter vegetable, the cabbage plant is shy of the summer heat; hence the plantation of the vegetable is done at a time that ensures that the head would mature way before the summer heat approaches.

Here’s another fact that you might not have known - Cauliflower, Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts are from the same family of vegetables as Cabbage! Now let’s take a look at the nutritional treasure that the cabbage has hidden beneath its cluster of leaves!

Cabbage Nutritional Value:

Cabbage is considered to be one of the richest vegetables when it comes to Vitamins. It is a good supplier of Vitamin A, B, C and E. One cup of chopped white cabbage contains around 34 milligrams of Vitamin C which helps the mitochondriae (small stations in the cell) to burn fat.

Stressed? Cabbage will help you calm down. Cabbage has traces of an element ‘Selen’ which set free messengers in the body that bring about a good feeling and happiness.
Additionally, cabbage holds the status of being a “slimming” vegetable. This is evident by the fact that one cup of chopped cabbage holds only 22 calories and supplies the body with a lot of fiber, protein, few carbohydrates and no fat content at all!

Health Benefits of Cabbage:

Anti-Cancer Properties!

Cabbage has high amounts of indole-3-carbinol. Indole-3-carbinol is a compound that causes a boost in DNA repair in the cells present in our body; hence it better equips the DNA to block the growth of cancer cells in our body. Boiling cabbage on the other hand tends to lower the anti-cancer property of the vegetable. Cabbage has been reported to be particularly effective in the prevention of colon cancer.

Healthy Bones!

Cabbage has an abundance of Vitamin K! This vitamin has the potential to increase bone metabolism. Vitamin K does this by promoting osteotrophic activity in the bones; hence, making them stronger.

Great Source Of Natural Anti-Oxidants!

Vitamin C is considered to be a highly effective anti-oxidant. And this naturally occurring anti-oxidant can be found in abundance in cabbage. Hence, regular consumption of cabbages increases the anti-oxidant content in your body and helps the body develop a resistance against infectious diseases and pro-inflammatory radicals.

A Great Source Of Minerals!

Cabbages have high levels of Potassium, Manganese and Iron. Potassium helps the body regulate the blood pressure levels and heart rates. Manganese is used as a co-factor of superoxide dismutase, an anti-oxidant enzyme.  Lastly, iron is essential in the body for the production of red blood cells and prevention of anemia!

Therapeutic Value of Cabbage!

Cabbage has been used for centuries for its therapeutic value. In European Folk Medicine, a paste of cabbage leaves would be concocted and applied where inflammation was occurring – this would reportedly ease the discomfort experienced. Claims have also been made that it may relieve a breast feeding mother’s engorged breasts. 

Possible Ways To Enjoy Cabbage

The healthiest way to enjoy this particular vegetable is having it in its raw form.  Just take the leaves off the head of the cabbage, soak it in water enjou!
Another way to enjoy this vegetable is to add it in your salad. Take a few cabbage leaves, some sliced cucumbers, some carrots and potatoes, topped with an Italian salad dressing to have a nutritional and tasty meal.

Possible Health Concerns:

Individuals with thyroid dysfunction should not consume cabbage.  This is because it was inflate the thyroid glands.