CABBAGE does not really figure in the top five favourite vegetables of most people. It is a humble, available throughout all seasons kind of vegetable in India. It is used widely in salads, burgers, and tacos, especially in the West. In India, the Patta Gobi, or cabbage is cooked in various ways to make it into some tasty dishes.
Though not a popular one, cabbage is actually one of the healthiest vegetables, coming from a cruciferous family of vegetables. It is loaded with nutrients, that have a lot of health benefits. Consumption of cabbage helps reduce the chances of diabetes, heart disease and obesity. What’s more, it even helps improve your morality, and gives you lots of energy. It is also easy to cook and store and has a longer shelf life than most of other vegetables. It can also be cooked independently, or mixed with some pulses or other vegetables as well.
Here are some main properties of cabbage:
Immunity Builder
The fibre in cabbage, along with its water content keeps your gut healthy and promotes digestion. This is especially true if you consume it in a fermented form like Kimchi, a Korean dish. Eating cabbage prevents constipation, which is a major issue with senior people. It also helps remove the toxins from stool and bile, thus keeping you healthy. It has been proven that cabbage also helps build immunity and works against inflammation. As we know, inflammation is linked to many diseases like cancer, obesity, heart disease, etc.
Anti Cancer Properties
Overall, a lot of research done on the topic has proved that cruciferous vegetable consumption helps reduce the chances of cancer. One of the reasons why most people do not like to consume cabbage is the slightly bitter taste it comes with. This is because of a compound called sulforaphane. However, it is the very same compound that makes it an anti-cancer agent. Perhaps, the age-old saying that most healthy stuff won’t taste as great is true after all.
The anti-cancer properties of cabbage do not end here. It also contains another compound called apigenin. This chemical has been found to reduce the size of breast cancer tumours, as per recent research records. Red cabbage also contains anthocyanin, a powerful antioxidant that again has been known to be quite effective against cancer. Another compound found in cabbage called as 3,3’-diindolylmethane (DIM), has shown significant anti-radiation effects during a study conducted for the same. So, overall, it appears that it is good to include cabbage in your diet, for a good anti-cancer diet.
Heart Health
Flavonoid-rich vegetables like cabbage are good for maintaining good heart health. Additionally, certain heart diseases are caused due to inflammation, and cabbage also has anti-inflammation properties that prevent this. Apart from this, cabbage contains a high level of polyphenol, which helps prevent platelet build-up and reduce blood pressure. All these properties make cabbage a good vegetable to ensure your cardiovascular health.
Nutrition Facts
So, what does cabbage contain and why is it called a powerhouse of nutrients? Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, folate, magnesium, calcium, potassium, thiamin, and a host of antioxidants make cabbage a highly nutritious vegetable. A compound in cabbage has been linked to the prevention of macular degeneration, while another to vision health.
In the end, certain studies have also indicated that compounds in cabbage can help with skin and hair health as well. However, as a risk factor for those already on diabetes medications, cabbage may further reduce blood sugar levels. It has also been known to interfere with thyroid hormones. So, those who are on medication for these two issues should consult their doctor about consumption of cabbage.
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Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
24th August 2023