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The cabbage is a vegetable that belongs to the cruciferous family, which has very few calories and a large number of health benefits. This fiber-rich plant is an excellent option for preparing delicious soups, stews, and salads that will surely delight you. Moreover, it is also a very economical and yielding ingredient.
Is cabbage rich in vitamins and minerals?
Undoubtedly,
cabbage is one of the best foods to include in your diet, as it is full of vitamins and minerals. Here are some of them:
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin A
- Folic acid
- Calcium
- Iron
- Potassium
- Magnesium
As you can see, it is highly recommended to prepare a delicious cabbage soup or a carrot and cabbage salad to accompany your meals.
What are the benefits of eating cabbage?
Although it may seem hard to believe, various scientific studies have shown that
cabbage has great benefits for our health, as it helps improve digestion, may help prevent diabetes and cancer, is highly recommended for the heart, and lowers cholesterol levels. Below, we explain why you should eat more cabbage.
Cabbage improves your digestion
Thanks to its high fiber content, cabbage is the perfect option if you suffer from
constipation or simply want to improve your digestion. Being a vegetable rich in insoluble fiber, it helps increase the presence of good bacteria in the gut, which is beneficial for the immune system.
Cabbage for the heart
Red cabbage, also known as
purple cabbage, is rich in a chemical substance called anthocyanin, which is responsible for its bright color. Most importantly,
scientific studies have indicated that anthocyanins reduce the risk of heart disease.
Moreover, all indications suggest that eating foods rich in anthocyanins could help lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of diseases in the major blood vessels of the
heart.
So now you know, cabbage contains about 36 types of anthocyanins, making it the perfect food to care for your heart.
Does cabbage prevent type 2 diabetes?
Although more studies are needed, recent research indicates that a diet rich in cabbage could decrease the risk of developing
type 2 diabetes. In this case, participants also consumed significant amounts of vegetables, fish, apples, pears, oats, and rye bread.
Cabbage is rich in vitamin C
As we all know, vitamin C is very important for the proper functioning of our body, making cabbage a good option. On one hand, vitamin C helps the body absorb iron and is necessary for the production of
collagen, which is essential for the skin, muscles, bones, and even veins.
On the other hand, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, emphasizing the need to increase the consumption of foods rich in this vitamin to combat the effects of free radicals. Remember that, in the case of
antioxidants, purple cabbage contains 30% more than green cabbage.
Cabbage against cholesterol
If you have experienced high
cholesterol levels, it is advisable to increase your consumption of vegetables and other healthy foods, as an increase in cholesterol means a higher likelihood of suffering from
heart diseases.
In the case of cabbage, experts have found that it contains two substances that lower bad cholesterol levels.
Cabbage could lower your blood pressure
Today,
hypertension affects a large part of the Mexican population, so it is necessary for people to change their diets and consume healthy foods, as high blood pressure is synonymous with a higher risk of heart disease and heart attacks.
Therefore, it is advisable for people suffering from this condition to increase their consumption of potassium-rich foods, as this will help control their blood pressure.
In this case, red cabbage is the best option for hypertensive individuals, as it contains a significant amount of potassium and other nutrients.
Does cabbage fight cancer?
Over the past few decades, several scientific studies have demonstrated the importance of diet in the fight against
cancer. It is worth mentioning that cabbage is rich in sulforaphane, a chemical compound that may help prevent cancer. On the other hand, cruciferous vegetables have also been associated with lower probabilities of developing cancer.
According to recent research, sulforaphane may help fight skin cancer, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
Interesting facts about cabbage
- According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, cabbage arrived on the American continent in 1541, thanks to the Frenchman Jacques Cartier.
- Cabbage is a food rich in vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
- There is a wide variety of cabbage, also known as cole: Copenhagen Market, Superette, Emerald Cross, Royal Vantage, Red Rockie, and Sure Vantage, among others.
The best recipes with cabbage