Cabbage is a very familiar vegetable that thrives in winter. However, it is a nutritious vegetable, both for eating, for healing and for beauty …
The benefits of cabbage
The nutritional composition and vitamin content of cabbage is 4.5 times higher than carrots and 3.6 times higher than potatoes. Plus, vitamins A and P in cabbage work together to make blood vessel walls more stable. Cabbage contains anticancer substances such as sulforaphane, phenethylisothiocyanate and indol-33 carbinol. However, there are many other effects of cabbage that we are less aware of:
Helps in the formation of red blood cells
Iron is an ingredient that promotes the formation of red blood cells, thus preventing the symptoms of anemia. Consuming cabbage in combination with orange or grapefruit juice has the potential to optimize the absorption of iron in cabbage.
Prevent cancer
Cabbage and vegetables from the same family contain a substance that can fight cancer cells in the body. These are substances that stimulate enzymes to inhibit tumor growth. Research in China has also shown that women who eat a certain amount of vegetables like cabbage and broccoli reduce the risk of breast cancer symptoms.
The amount of vitamins in cabbage is higher than in many other vegetables.
This cruciferous vegetable contains a group of substances called glucosinolates, which are compounds containing sulfur. They are broken down in the body to form bioactive compounds such as isothiocyanates, indoles, nitriles and thiocyanates which have anticancer effects.
According to studies, indoles and isothiocyanates inhibit the growth of many cancers, including bladder, colon, breast, liver, lung and stomach cancers.
Studies have shown that cabbage contains sulforaphane, a sulfur-containing compound capable of inhibiting a dangerous enzyme called histone deacetylase (HDAC). This enzyme is responsible for the growth of cancer cells.
According to another study, red cabbage has a powerful antioxidant called anthocyanin (a coloring compound in fruits and vegetables), which slows down the endowment of cancer cells.
Good for the cardiovascular
What other effects are cabbage vegetables? The amount of potassium in cabbage is very good for heart health and maintains healthy blood circulation while preventing blockage of blood vessels to the heart. Potassium is also a good compound for relieving symptoms of high blood pressure. The high potassium content of cabbage is one of the good foods for high blood pressure.
Immune booster
Not only are fruits like oranges, grapes or apples rich in vitamin C, but cabbage also contains a lot of these vitamins, so the use of cabbage is to strengthen the immune system. Vitamin C is also great for skin health care
Reduce body weight
Cabbage is one of the best vegetables recommended for those who want to lose weight naturally. Cabbage contains many useful components of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. You can eat cabbage in bulk because it is high enough in fiber and low in calories, it will not increase your weight.
Body detox
Due to its high content of vitamin C and sulfur, cabbage can help remove toxins (free radicals). Free radicals are one of the main causes of arthritis, skin diseases, rheumatism and gout.
Good for the brain
Cabbage or cruciferous vegetables are good sources of vitamin K.
Cabbage or cruciferous vegetables are good sources of vitamin K and anthocyanin which can help with mental health and brain focus. These nutrients can also prevent nerve damage, helping to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Cabbage is therefore very beneficial for the health of your brain.
Good for the eyes
Cabbage is a rich source of vegetables and fruits containing beta-carotene. Most people, especially the elderly, eat cabbage regularly, which gives them the ability to prevent macular degeneration and may improve eye health as well as prevent cataracts. Beta-carotene according to some studies can reduce prostate cancer.
Anti-inflammatory
Cabbage has anti-inflammatory properties and is a major source of glutamine. Glutamine is a potent anti-inflammatory, so consuming cabbage can reduce the effects of conditions such as inflammation, irritation, allergies, joint pain, fever, and skin disorders.
Bone health
Cabbage contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. This mineral is known for its ability to maintain healthy bones.
Coping with headaches
Crushing cabbage leaves and placing them on the forehead can also relieve headaches.
Using cabbage leaves as a warm compress can help relieve headaches. Moreover, crushing the cabbage leaves and placing them on the forehead can also relieve headaches. For chronic headaches, drinking cabbage juice (25-50 ml) can help relieve headaches.
Laxative
The benefits of cabbage are like eating other vegetables, cabbage is also a vegetable that helps facilitate bowel movements due to the high fiber content in vegetables.
Good for the fetus
Folic acid is very important for fetal development, so consuming cabbage for pregnant women helps support nutritional requirements for folic acid.
Despite its many benefits, cabbage is not a good food for the following people:
People with thyroid, goiter
Cabbage contains a small amount of goiter, which results in a goiter, an enlarged thyroid. Therefore, you should only eat a moderate amount of cabbage, cut each leaf, soak it and shred it, after about 10-15 minutes to process it so that the goiter is completely decomposed.
Kidney disease
Cabbage is high in oxalic acid, fresh and diuretic, so people with kidney disease and dialysis should be limited.
Sick of stomach
Eating raw cabbage is easy to have on a full stomach, especially for people with an upset stomach. Therefore, absolutely must not eat raw, if eaten, must be cooked.
