13 Incredible Health Benefits of Cabbage
Did you know that the common and
inexpensive cabbage is practically a miracle-worker? When I first found
out, I was quite surprised, but in fact, cabbage can prevent or cure a
whole range of conditions, such as stomach ulcers, Alzheimer’s disease,
eczema, jaundice, gout, and arthritis. Read on to find out about the top
13 health benefits that cabbage has to offer:
1. It's a Great Source of Vitamin C
You might find it a bit surprising, but
cabbage actually contains more Vitamin C than oranges do, which are
traditionally assumed to be the best natural source. Vitamin C is
essential if you want to age gracefully or maintain a powerful immune
system, and it can even reduce the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and
other degenerative neural diseases.
2. It's Rich in Sulfur
Sulfur is a highly useful nutrient because it is used to fight
infections, and a deficiency can increase the time wounds take to heal,
and also put you at a much higher risk of contracting a microbial
infection. Luckily, all you need to do is to add a little cabbage to
your daily diet to prevent this from ever happening.
3. It's a Fantastic Source of Roughage 
Cabbage is a brilliant source of fiber,
which helps the body retain water, and also maintains the bulkiness of
food as it's being digested. As a result, cabbage is the perfect natural
remedy for many digestion-related conditions, such as constipation.
4. It Can Help Prevent Cancer
Cabbage contains a good amount of anti-cancer compounds, such as
sinigrin, sulforaphane, and lupeol, that are known to inhibit the growth
of dangerous tumors. In one Chinese study performed on breast cancer
patients, cruciferous vegetables like cabbage were shown to provide the
patients with a significant improvement.
5. It's Loaded with Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Cabbage tends to accumulate a build-up of cadmium-binding complexes
within its leaves, and one of its primary components is glutamine, which
is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. Consequently, consuming cabbage
can reduce the effects of many kinds of inflammation, fever, joint pain,
allergies, skin irritation, and quite a few other skin disorders.
6. It Can Help You Lose Weight
Cabbage is the perfect ingredient for someone who wants to lose weight
healthily. It's packed with many essential nutrients, vitamins, and
minerals, and its high levels of fiber makes it quite filling. The best
part is that there are only 33 calories in a single cup of cooked
cabbage!
7. It Keeps Your Brain Healthy
The presence of anthocyanins and vitamin K within cabbage can provide a
strong boost to concentration levels and overall mental functioning. Red
cabbage contains even higher levels of these important brain-fueling
components, and that is why it's recommended for sufferers of dementia
and neural degeneration.
8. It Regulates Your Blood Pressure
The potassium found within cabbage can help you to lower your blood
pressure, thereby decreasing the risk of strokes and heart attacks. This
is because potassium acts as a vasodilator, which means that it opens
up the blood vessels and eases the blood flow.
9. It Promotes Good Eye Health
As a rich source of beta-carotene, cabbage is able to delay the
formation of cataracts, prevent macular degeneration and generally
promote good eye health. What's more, beta-carotene can also reduce your
chances of contracting prostate cancer.
10. It Prevents Premature Aging
The many antioxidants that cabbage contains play a huge role in your
body's response to the aging process, since they help to eliminate free
radicals. These free radicals have been found to be the underlying cause
of skin discoloration, age spots, and wrinkles.
11. It Strengthens the Bones
Cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, are great sources of potassium,
magnesium, and calcium. Providing your body with these 3 essential
minerals will help keep your bones stronger, and can help prevent the
onset of osteoporosis.
12. It Eases Muscle Aches
When certain kinds of bacteria are allowed to ferment cabbage's sugars,
such as during the preparation of sauerkraut, lactic acid ends up being
released. This is good because lactic acid has been proven to
effectively reduce muscle aches and soreness.
13. It Can Help Detoxify Your Body
By getting rid of free radicals and uric acid, cabbage can help to
prevent gout, rheumatism, renal calculi, arthritis, skin diseases, and
eczema. This detoxifying effect is due to the high amount of sulfur and
Vitamin C that cabbage contains.