Cabbages are important members of the brassica family which also includes broccoli, cauliflower and brussel sprouts. These are large, round and leafy vegetables that are believed to have originated in the Eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor. They are available all the year round and can form part of a healthy diet.
Green Cabbage: This is the most commonly used type. It has smooth tightly packed leaves and a round shape resembling a large ball. Sometimes, it is also called Dutch white cabbage and is available in smaller variety known as ‘Minicab’.
Red Cabbage: This variety is denser than the green one and has a slight peppery flavor. It is considered as more nutritious than the green variety and is also available in smaller varieties.
Savoy Cabbage: This is a large ball shaped cabbage having loose, darker outer leaves varying from smooth to curly. Its wrinkly leaves are great when wrapped around different fillings. Their color varies from light green to bluish green.
Wombok: Also known as Chinese cabbage, this variety is basically oval shaped with crinky leaves having white veins. It is pale green in color and available in a ‘baby wombok’ size.
Cabbage: Skin Benefits:
Leafy greens are considered great for skin and cabbage is no exception. Cabbage contains ‘indole-3-carbonile’ which is a powerful antioxidant that is responsible for detoxifying your liver. This is beneficial for the skin as well because it removes the toxicities, which if accumulated in the blood cause dull and blemished
Skin. Thus, the skin benefits of eating cabbage are given below:
Skin. Thus, the skin benefits of eating cabbage are given below:
Regular consumption of cabbage along with some other cruciferous vegetables can provide anti-ageing benefits to the skin. The rich amount of vitamin C in this vegetable keeps the skin youthful and delays the ageing process. Moreover, vitamin A in cabbage juice works together with vitamin D to make your skin clear and healthy and avoid the destruction of skin cells due to ultraviolet rays
It has excellent skin healing properties. When used as a poultice, cabbage is effective in curing skin eruptions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, rashes, insect bites, leg ulcers; and wounds and arthritis as well. You can prepare the poultice by grating or processing some cabbage in a blender and wrap the content mixed with some water in a cloth. Place it on the affected area for about 15 minutes. You can also crush the leaves and apply them directly on the affected areas. Regular application of this poultice as well as eating cabbage can cause excellent healing.
It is appreciable for its beautifying effects and it has role in promoting healthy skin. If you are suffering from pimples or other skin irritations, cabbage can be the solution. All you need to do is steam the upper leaves of cabbage and remove all their veins. Compress the leaves between a linen cloth and cotton to make them smooth and soft. Place the compress on the affected are over the night and experience a spotless skin next morning.
It’s juice is also excellent for improving complexion. It has potassium which is instrumental in purifying your body and skin. The high levels of vitamin A rejuvenate your tissue and sulfur helps in fighting infection. Vitamin E is often used as an ingredient in skincare products and supplements. The ultimate result is glowing and fairer skin.
Sulfur is considered as a ‘nature’s beauty mineral’. Because of its drying effect, it plays an important role in drying up oily and acne prone skin. Moreover, it is vital for keratin, a protein substance that is essential for healthy hair, nails and skin. It also helps in cleansing your blood and removing bacteria and toxins from your body.
It’s juice is extremely effective in cleansing your body as cabbages are abundant in vitamin C. If you are suffering from acne, drinking cabbage juice can help in clearing it up. Cabbage juice can also heal infected gums caused by gingivitis.
Cabbage: Hair Benefits:
Being loaded with nutrients such as vitamins, calcium, sulfur, iron and magnesium; cabbage is equally beneficial for your hair. Some of the benefits of cabbage for hair are given below.
Just like other green vegetables, cabbage has a high content of vitamin A. Vitamin A is an antioxidant that stimulates hair growth. Applying a mixture of boiled cabbage and freshly squeezed lemon juice on scalp can facilitate hair growth. Mash ½ cup boiled cabbage and 1/8 cup fresh lemon juice in a blender to form a thick paste. Massage this mixture on your scalp, leave it for 30 minutes and then shampoo and condition your hair as usual. This can be done twice a day.
It nourishes your hair, thus providing you with silky, shining hair. Apply its juice on your scalp and the roots of your hair. Shampoo your hair after an hour. This will make your hair smooth and silky.
Cabbage contains several cancer fighting properties, including lupeol, sinigrin, diindolylmethane (DIM), indole-3-carbinol (I3C), and sulforaphane, which may help trigger enzyme defenses and inhibit tumor growth. The I3C and sulforaphane compounds in cabbage have both been shown increase the anti-cancer effects of the chemotherapy drug Taxol. One study of Chinese women found that consumption of cruciferous vegetables (such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts) was associated with a significant reduced breast cancer risk.
Treat peptic ulcers
Cabbage is one of the best natural remedies for stomach ulcers (called peptic ulcers). A study at the Stanford University School of Medicine found that fresh cabbage juice is very effective in treating peptic ulcers. The anti-ulcer properties of cabbage are due to the high glutamine content in it.
Cabbage is good source of the amino acid glutamine and is believed to help those who are suffering from any type of inflammation.
Boosts immune system
Due to its high amount of Vitamin C, cabbage helps strengthen the Immune System and help the body fight against free radicals.
Prevent cataract risk
Cabbage is also high in beta-carotene which helps protect against age-related macular degeneration and prevent cataracts.
Weight loss diet
Cabbage is a great diet choice for those who are looking for lose weight. One cup of cooked cabbage contains just only 33 calories. That’s why people who are on the cabbage soup diet can eat endless amounts of the soup without gaining weight, while still staying healthy.
Reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
Recent research has shown that eating red cabbage may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Red cabbage contains vitamin K and anthocyanin, an antioxidant to help reduces plaque on the brain, thus can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
The high fiber content in cabbage helps stimulate the digestive system, and thus relieving constipation.
The antioxidants in cabbage help protect the skin from free radical damage known to cause signs of aging.
Raw cabbage and cucumber juices are rich in silicon and sulfur, two vital minerals that stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss. Apply a mixture of 30 ml cabbage juice and 30 ml cucumber juice on your scalp and hair roots, massage thoroughly for 10-15 minutes before going to bed and wash off the next morning. This should be done thrice a week for maximum benefits.
Raw cabbage juice is also beneficial for dry hair and makes it soft and shiny. Try drinking a mixture of 80 ml raw carrot and cucumber juices and 40 ml raw cabbage juice to get healthy and beautiful hair.
Helps prevent cancer:
There are many properties in cabbage that help fight cancer causing cells. These ingredients include dindolylmethane (DIM), sinigrin, lupeol, sulforaphane and indole 3 – carbinol (I3C). The sulforaphane and the I3C compounds are known to increase anti cancer effects.
It has a very high content of vitamin C. Thus it helps in strengthening one’s immunity system and also assists in curbing free radicals.
It is also very rich in amino acids which help fight inflammation.
Eliminates the risk of cataract:
Beta carotene content in Cabbage helps in prevention of macular degeneration of the eyes and thus keeps cataract at bay.
Reduces Alzheimer’s disease probability:
The latest research states that having cabbage, especially the red ones can prevent Alzheimer’s. Vitamin K that is widely found in cabbage is responsible for this.
Helps in treatment of peptic ulcers:
Peptic or stomach ulcers are healed by consumption of cabbage. Its juice has anti ulcer properties owing to its high content of glutamine.
It is considered to be the best dish for those who constantly watch their weight. An entire cup of cooked cabbage contains merely 33 calories. Thus, a diet of cabbage soup would mean endless bowls with absolutely no weight gain.
Provides relief from constipation:
Proper digestion is facilitated due to the high fiber content in it. This helps in providing relief from constipation.
Proper skin care:
it is very rich in antioxidants which protect the skin from free radicals responsible for the signs of ageing.
Provides relief from sore muscles:
Lactic acid present in it is known to provide effective relief from sore muscles.
Relieve muscle soreness
Cabbage contains lactic acid which known to help relieve muscles soreness.
To obtain the most health benefits of cabbage, avoid overcooking cabbage since it decreases its nutritional value especially vitamin C and the remaining nutrients will become more difficult to be digested. Cabbage can be eaten in various ways such as boiled, steamed, sauted, stir-fried or even roasted. But cabbage is most nutritious when eaten raw. Add sliced or grated raw leaves in vegetable salad for more taste.
Fresh, dark green-leafy cabbage is incredibly nutritious; however, very low in fat and calories. 100 g of leaves provide just 25 calories.
The vegetable is the storehouse of phyto-chemicals like thiocyanates, indole-3-carbinol, lutein, zea-xanthin, sulforaphane, and isothiocyanates. These compounds are powerful antioxidants and known to help protect against breast, colon, and prostate cancers and help reduce LDL or "bad cholesterol" levels in the blood.
Fresh cabbage is an excellent source of natural antioxidant, vitamin C. Provides 36.6 mg or about 61% of RDA per 100 g. Regular consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals.
Total antioxidant strength measured in terms of oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC value) is 508 µmol TE/100 g. Red cabbages contain more antioxidant value, 2252 µmol TE/100 g.
It is also rich in essential vitamins such as pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5), pyridoxine (vitamin B-6) and thiamin (vitamin B-1). These vitamins are essential in the sense that our body requires them from external sources to replenish.
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Benefits of Red Cabbage
Red cabbage is the richest sources of flavonoids in the vegetable world.
Red cabbage is an excellent source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from harmful free radicals.
Red Cabbage is very helpful in the treatment of peptic ulcers.
Red Cabbage remains low in calories.
Red Cabbage also contains chemicals that inhibit tumor growth.
It also reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke, alleviate rheumatisms and skin problems.
Red cabbage contains beneficial protective phytochemicals such as indole-3-carbinole (I3C), sulforaphane, and indoles. Indole-3-carbinole (I3C) plays an essential role in reducing the risk of breast cancer.
Red cabbage has anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains lactic acid that acts to disinfect colon.
It is very good for building of muscles and thus, getting a healthy body.
Being rich in vitamin A, Red cabbage is very good for your eyes as well as your skin.
- Serving Size : 1 cup, chopped (89.0 g)
- Amount Per Serving
- Total Calories 28
- Calories from Fat 1 %
- Total Fat 0.1g 0%
- Saturated Fat 0.0g 0%
- Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g 0%
- Monounsaturated Fat 0.0g 0%
- Cholesterol 0mg 0%
- Sodium 24mg 1%
- Total Carbohydrates 6.6g 2%
- Dietary Fiber 1.9g 7%
- Sugars 3.4g
- Protein 1.3g
- Calcium 4%
- Iron 4%
Cabbage nutrition facts
Do you ever wonder what would be the secret of Chinese people everlasting youthfulness? Yes...It is cabbage!
Rich in phyto-nutrients, this cool season leafy vegetable belongs to the "Brassica" family of vegetables, which also include brussels sprouts, cauliflower, bok choy, kale, and broccoli. It is one of the widely cultivated crops around the world.
Light green variety. Savoy-cabbage.
Cabbage structurally consists of clusters of stiff leaves superimposed one over the other in compact layers, giving it a round or globular shape. Several varieties are cultivated worldwide including green, purple, red, and savoy (loose-wrinkled leaves).
red-cabbage bok choy napa cabbage
Red-cabbage. Bok choy
(Chinese cabbage). Napa cabbage.
Photo courtesy: Ilovebutter
Bok-choy or "Chinese-cabbage" features similar appearance, but is derived from different species of the same Brassica genus vegetables. Bok-choy characteristically has a vigorous growth pattern. The whole plant has a long cylindrical shape, comprising of short, compact leaves.
Napa cabbage is another Chinese vegetable variety in the Brassica family. The plant grows to oblong shaped head consisting of tightly arranged crinkly, thick, light-green color leaves with prominent white veins.
This wonderful Asian-flavored salad has great flavor and provides great nutritional value. One serving provides 123% of your daily value (DV) for vitamin K, 59% DV for vitamin C and 24% DV for vitamin A. All of this for a mere 42 calories. Enjoy!
Gingered Cabbage Prep and Cook Time: 15 miinutes
- 6 cups thinly sliced green or Savoy cabbage
- 1/2 cup chopped scallions
- 1 TBS minced garlic
- 1 TBS minced fresh ginger
- 1 TBS chicken or vegetable broth
- 1-1/2 TBS soy sauce
- 1/2 TBS rice vinegar
- salt and white pepper to taste
Slice cabbage and mince garlic and let them sit for 5 minutes to bring out their health-promoting properties.
Heat 1 TBS broth in a large stainless steel skillet. Healthy Sauté cabbage, scallion, garlic, and ginger over medium heat for 3-4 minutes stirring frequently.
Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, and season with salt and pepper to taste.