Cabbage is a very popular vegetable and is known for its medicinal properties . Among them, it is believed to contain chemicals that prevent cancer, Alzheimer’s or aging.

The history of the medicinal use of cabbage dates back to Ancient Greece, when the fresh juice of white cabbage was used to treat sore or infected eyes. The Romans and Egyptians drank cabbage juice before meals to prevent poisoning.

Different types of cabbage

There are different types of cabbages, and they can be eaten raw or cooked. The taste of these varies, but they are foods rich in vitamins, iron, and potassium, and are widely used in the kitchens of different cultures.

Some of the most popular varieties of cabbage are

  • Cauliflower : It can have different shades (white, purple or green). It contains a large quantity of nutrients and a low calorie content.
  • Cabbage : It is the classic cabbage. Two types can be distinguished: the early ones, with small buds; and the late ones, with larger buds.
  • Savoy cabbage : It has characteristic dark or light green leaves. It is often used in stews, soups and other dishes.
  • Brussels sprouts : It is native to Belgium as its name suggests, and is notable for its small size.
  • Purple cabbage : As its name also indicates, its leaves have a purple colour, due to the presence of a pigment called anthocyanin.

Health benefits of cabbage

The health benefits of cabbage are many. Below you can find a list that will help you understand why you should take this vegetable .

1. Treats acne

Sulfur is considered the “mineral of nature’s beauty”. It has a drying effect on the skin that plays a decisive role against acne. It is also vital for the synthesis of keratin, a substance that is essential for healthy hair, nails and skin. It also helps in the cleansing of the blood and the elimination of bacteria and toxins from the body.

2. Prevents hair loss

Raw cabbage and cucumber juices are rich in silicon and sulfur, two minerals essential for growth and prevention of hair loss. Combining these two vegetables and applying them directly to the scalp (with a 10 minute massage) before going to bed is beneficial in preventing hair loss. This procedure can be performed three days a week.

3. Promotes digestion

Cabbage is very rich in fiber and helps the body retain water. Deficiency of fiber causes constipation, which is the cause of many other diseases and health risks, such as stomach ulcers, headaches, gastrointestinal cancers, indigestion, etc.

4. Improves vision

Cabbage is a rich source of beta-carotene. It is important to note that red cabbage has almost 10 times the beta-carotene content of green cabbage. Beta-carotene plays an important role in increasing vision, especially night vision, and helps protect eye tissue from free radical damage.

5. Improves brain function

Being rich in iodine, cabbage is beneficial for the proper functioning of the brain and nervous system. This mineral also plays a key role in maintaining the health of the endocrine system. Cabbage also contains vitamin K and anthocyanins that help maintain mental function and concentration at an adequate level.

6. Promotes bone health

Cabbage is rich in calcium, which is undoubtedly a very important mineral for bone health. Cabbage is also rich in magnesium and potassium. Together, these three essential minerals work to protect bones from degradation. It is also important for preventing some age-related bone problems such as osteoporosis and general bone weakening.

7. Rejuvenates

Cabbage kale contains “indole-3-carbinol”, a powerful antioxidant that plays an important role in detoxifying the liver. The liver is the organ responsible for filtering toxins from the blood. It is beneficial to the skin to keep the liver healthy, which avoids spots. But vitamin C and vitamin A also fight wrinkles and sagging skin, are essential to help keep hair follicles healthy and scalp oils in good condition. In short, you’ll look younger.

8. Helps burn fat

Cabbage helps to burn fat and, in addition, is the key food in a well-known diet called the “cabbage soup diet” . This diet was used in the 1950s and is still used today. The cabbage soup diet is a strict diet that involves eating cabbage soup along with other low-calorie foods.

9. Maintains healthy blood pressure

Potassium is good for cardiovascular health, as it is a vasodilator , which means that it opens the arteries and veins and facilitates blood flow. Thanks to potassium, your blood is not forced through narrowed arteries and veins. This simple expansion of the arteries helps protect against high blood pressure and also decreases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

10. Prevents cancer

In addition to all its antioxidant properties, cabbage also has a number of anti-cancer compounds, such as lupeol , sinigrin and sulforaphane. Research on these compounds has shown that they stimulate enzymatic activity and inhibit carcinogenic growth. Research in China showed that consumption of cabbage significantly reduced the likelihood of breast cancer.

11. Healthier muscles

Brussels sprouts are a high-protein food , and other types of cabbage contain an abundant amount of glutamine. Glutamine is one of the amino acids found in greater quantity in our muscles. When there is a deficit of glutamine in the body, the body begins to consume its own muscle, with the consequent loss of muscle tissue.

12. Prevents disease

Recent research claims that eating cabbage, especially red cabbage, can prevent Alzheimer’s disease. The vitamin K that is widely found in cabbage is responsible for this.

Likewise, the potassium present in bok choy (Chinese cabbage) not only helps in the treatment of hypertension, but also keeps the blood sugar level under control . This mineral can also stimulate our mental well-being by relieving tension, stress and anxiety.