Cabbages are round, leafy green vegetables that come in many subtly different varieties at different times of the year. Whether steamed or eaten raw, they can provide you with a vast array of interesting and powerful health benefits. Cabbage is an excellent addition to soup or salad, and some people even enjoy eating it on its own. Read on to discover the nine most important ways in which eating more cabbage could improve and extend your life.
1) Cabbage promotes a healthy digestive system:
Cabbage juice is a traditional remedy for stomach ulcers, and recent scientific studies on the health benefits of cabbage support this claim. In addition, such studies have shown that cabbage is good for the whole digestive system, not just the stomach. Firstly, cabbage contains ITCs, and these help to control the reproduction of a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (which is associated with the development of stomach ulcers when it multiplies out of control). Secondly, cabbage is a great source of fiber, and having a high quantity of fiber in your diet helps to prevent constipation and keeps your bowel movements regular.
2) It has powerful anti-inflammatory properties:
Cabbage contains polyphenols, and these help to reduce unwanted inflammation in the body. This makes cabbage an ideal addition to your diet if you suffer from chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, asthma and ulcerative colitis. Red cabbage is a particularly good source of these inflammation-fighting compounds, but you can enjoy this health benefit to some degree no matter which type of cabbage you prefer.
3) It may help to protect you against certain cancers:
Cabbage contains phytochemicals called indoles, and these are thought to be able to reduce your likelihood of developing breast cancer by converting a hormone called estradiol into a less dangerous form of estrogen. One Polish study revealed that women who eat at least four servings of cabbage each week are significantly less likely to develop breast cancer while they continue this dietary pattern. In addition, cabbage is a rich source of glucosinolates, and your body converts these into compounds that help to prevent various forms of cancer by reducing inflammation and improving detoxification. So far, this property of cabbage has been linked to a reduced risk of developing cancers of the bladder, prostate, and colon.
4) It can lower your risk of developing heart disease:
Eating cabbage leads to a reduction in the level of a compound called homocysteine. Studies show that this compound is one of the most significant risk factors for heart disease, though it is as yet unclear whether the homocysteine causes heart disease or indicates the presence of other important risk factors. Regardless, current research does show that lower levels of homocysteine are associated with a significantly diminished likelihood of developing heart disease, and cabbage leads to lower levels.
5) It may help to prevent premature aging:
Cabbage promotes healthy and youthful looking skin because of the beta carotene and high levels of vitamin C that it contains. Both of these nutrients encourage the repair of damaged skin cells, helping you to maintain a glowing complexion and warding off the early signs of aging (such as fine lines and small wrinkles).
6) It helps to maintain healthy bones:
One serving of cabbage provides you with as much as 63% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin K. This is good news for your bones, as vitamin K helps to increase bone mass.
7) It may help people with Alzheimer’s disease:
Several studies have shown that consuming foods rich in vitamin K also helps to limit the neuronal damage that is characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease, thereby slowing the progression of the condition.
8. It can help your body deal with harmful toxins:
The phytochemicals found in cabbage boost your ability to break down and eliminate toxins. They do this by encouraging the production of the enzymes that control the detoxification process.
9) It reduces your cholesterol level:
Nutrients in cabbage bind with bile acids produced by your liver and cause these acids to be excreted in your bowel movements (instead of being absorbed). Your liver then uses your body’s supply of cholesterol to replace the excreted bile acids, thereby reducing your overall cholesterol level.
As is obvious from the above health benefits, cabbage is an excellent choice if you want to increase your daily consumption of fruits and vegetables. However, it is important to note that the majority of the above health benefits disappear if you choose to boil cabbage. Always steam it or eat it raw instead.
Related Articles By Cathe:
6 Healthy Autumn Produce Choices to Pick Up at Your Local Farmer’s Market
6 Lesser Known Vegetables with Powerful Health Benefits
4 Science-Backed Reasons to Add More Fermented Vegetables to Your Diet
Are Probiotic Supplements Overhyped?
What Are Phytochemicals and What Role Do They Play in Health?
