Cabbage is a wonder vegetable that helps to keep people young and healthy. This vegetable is a storehouse of Phyto antioxidants and belongs to the Brassica family of leafy vegetables. Other vegetables that come under this family are cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, bok choy and broccoli. Cabbage is cultivated all around the world.
This vegetable consists of thin leaves arranged in layers giving it a spherical look. Varieties of cabbage are cultivated all around the globe. You will find purple, red, green and savoy varieties of cabbage.
Bok Choy, which is popularly known as Chinese cabbage is long and cylindrical in shape. Napa cabbage is yet another variety that has an oblate shape. It has white veins on the leaves.
Health benefits of Cabbage
- Consuming fresh cabbage gives you immense nutrient benefits. The calorie value and fat level are very low in cabbage.
- Cabbage contains phytochemicals such as indole 3 carbinol, isothiocyanates, lutein, thiocyanates, zeaxanthin and sulforaphane. These are the antioxidants that help in protecting the body from breast cancer, prostate cancer and colon. They also help in reducing bad cholesterol in the blood.
- Anthocyanin flavonoid pigment antioxidants are found in red cabbage.
- Vitamin C is present in abundance in fresh cabbage. It is a natural antioxidant that helps the body be protected from infections and inflammatory free radicals.
- It is a fact that red cabbage has a high amount of antioxidants than normal cabbage.
- Cabbage contains some of the essential vitamins like Vitamin B-5, vitamin B-1 and Vitamin B-6. These vitamins are very essential for the metabolic functions of the body.
- Minerals like manganese, potassium and iron are found in cabbage. Potassium is very essential as it is very important for the cell and body fluids that control the heart rate as well as maintains the blood pressure. For the formation of red blood cells, manganese plays a vital role.
- Vitamin K is found in cabbage in large numbers. It helps in bone metabolism. A good amount of Vitamin K in a diet will help in promoting bone health. Vitamin K is also found to cure Alzheimer’s disease as it reduces neuronal damage inside the brain.
Selecting and storing
Cabbage is mostly grown in places with cool climatic conditions. Normally it is found in markets all through the year. Make sure to pick medium-sized ones which are firm and compact ones. Since pests are mostly found inside cabbages, care should be taken to wash the vegetable thoroughly before cooking. Pesticides are normally used for growing cabbages without pests. Washing it well in saltwater will clear off the pesticides and dirt. Fresh cabbage can be stored inside the refrigerator for a week.
Preparing and serving
Trim the stem part and pick out the withered leaves. You can cut it into halves and chop as per your requirement. Cabbage can be eaten raw as it is extremely nutritious. They can be used in pickles, minced meat or simply stir fry. Adding cabbage to stew adds more taste.
People who have thyroid issues need to avoid cabbage as it can cause swelling of the thyroid gland. Healthy people can use cabbage without any restrictions.
