Cabbage is one of the most underrated vegetables. If you’re wondering why you should incorporate cabbage into your diet, read our list of the primary health benefits of cabbage.
Cabbage is a powerhouse of nutrients. Humans have been consuming cabbage since the time of Hippocrates, when it was used to treat stomach ulcers and other digestive problems. Back then, it was thought that cabbage could cure just about any illness – so much so that ancient Romans carried it with them wherever they went as part of their rations! Today, we know better than that, but still think highly of this cruciferous vegetable due to its many health benefits:
Good for Digestion
Cabbage is a natural cleanser and a great source of fiber. Fiber helps to prevent constipation, ulcers, indigestion and heartburn. If you suffer from any kind of digestive problems such as Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), cabbage can help to relieve some of your symptoms.
Rich in Antioxidants
Cabbage is rich in antioxidants such as anthocyanin and kaempferol. Antioxidants keep your skin and organs healthy in order to slow signs of aging and prevent cancer development.
Improves Heart Health
The antioxidants in cabbage protect your body from free radicals. Free radicals are produced as a result of pollution, stress and diet. These free radicals damage the cells in your body and cause heart disease. Cabbage also contains high levels of vitamin C, which helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and boosts your immune system.
In addition to its antioxidant properties, cabbage is a sufficient source of iron that benefits both men and women who suffer from low red blood cell count (anemia). Iron deficiency causes fatigue after exercise or physical activity because it affects oxygen supply to the heart muscles during strenuous activities. The iron contained in cabbage will help you to absorb oxygen more effectively so that you don’t feel as tired after exercising.
Boosts Immunity
The high Vitamin C content in cabbage helps to boost immune function. Cabbage also contains vitamin A, which aids in the function of the immune system as well. You can get more beta-carotene from cabbage than any other vegetable source by eating it raw or cooked. B-complex vitamins are also found in cabbage, including thiamin and riboflavin (B1), niacin (B3) pyridoxine (B6).
The antioxidants in cabbage will also support your immune system, making you less susceptible to infection and disease.
If you’re feeling under the weather, try adding cabbage to your diet—it’s one of the top foods for boosting immunity!
Lowers Risk of Cancer
The antioxidants in cabbage help to protect against cancer. Along with vitamin C and fiber, cabbage also contains indole-3-carbinol (I3C), an anti-cancer compound that helps to block the growth of some cancers.
Cabbage also contains vitamin K, which has been shown to play a role in bone health and may even help prevent cancer cells from spreading throughout the body (particularly lung cancer).
The incidence of cancer has been increasing over the years. While this may be due to lifestyle factors such as smoking or obesity, it’s also likely due to our increased exposure to environmental toxins—including radiation from cell phones and computers. In order to help reduce your risk of getting cancer, try incorporating more cabbage into your diet!
Protects from Radiation Damage
For those who have cancer or are frequently exposed to high levels of radiation, cabbage helps to protect from radiation damage. Studies have shown that the 3,3′-diindolylmethane chemical compound in cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables may help to combat the harmful effects of frequent radiation exposure.
If you work in a lab or environment with high radiation exposure, or are currently going through chemotherapy or another radiation treatment, cabbage could be extremely beneficial for you to consume regularly.
Supports a Healthy Pregnancy
Cabbage is a good source of folate, which is important for pregnant women. Folate promotes the normal growth of your baby’s brain and spine. It also helps to prevent neural tube defects (such as spina bifida).
Folate can lower your risk of having anemia during pregnancy, which means less blood loss during delivery. A lack of folate may increase your risks for delivering a premature baby or having a child born with birth defects like cleft lip or heart disease.
Reduces Cholesterol
Cabbage helps to lower cholesterol levels by releasing phytosterols. Phytosterols slow the absorption of cholesterol in your digestive tract, meaning that your body can process cholesterol more effectively.
If you struggle with high cholesterol, consider adding cabbage to your regular diet.
Contains High Levels of Vitamins and Minerals
Cabbage is a powerful food for supporting your overall health and preventing disease and illnesses. It’s a great source of vitamins and minerals, and contains dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin B6.
- Vitamin C: Boosts the immune system by helping to fight infections. Also helps with iron absorption in the body.
- Vitamin K: Helps to prevent osteoporosis and lung cancer. The vitamin K content in cabbage supports bone health and also helps with blood clotting so you don’t have to worry about excessive bleeding when you’re injured or have surgery on a wound.
- Vitamin B6: Plays a role in regulating mood and reducing the risk of depression.
Health Benefits of Cabbage: Final Thoughts
We hope this article showed you why cabbage is such a beneficial food to incorporate into your diet. It can be used in so many recipes, including soups, salads, sauerkraut, and coleslaw, while at the same time providing your body with an array of vital nutrients to support your health. The best part is that cabbage is super easy to find, and cheap too!
In order to track the freshness of your cabbage and other produce, use the Lil’ Broc app to ensure that all of your produce is eaten while it is still fresh.