Cabbage is one of the most common and accessible vegetables in the diet of many peoples of the world. White cabbage, sauerkraut, stewed or stewed, fresh or baked — each form of its preparation brings significant benefits to a person. This vegetable is useful for both women and men, thanks to its unique composition of vitamins, minerals and other valuable substances. Let’s find out what exactly is the benefit of cabbage for the body and whether it has possible harm.
Benefits of cabbage for the human body
Cabbage is rich in useful elements: vitamins C, K, U, B, as well as minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc. It is low in calories, which makes it an ideal product for those who are watching their figure. Its high fiber content improves digestion and removes toxins from the body. Other benefits of kale include:
- Immunity boosting: thanks to its high vitamin C content, kale helps to strengthen the body’s defenses.
- Protecting the stomach: vitamin U promotes healing of the gastric mucosa, which is especially important for people with gastritis or ulcers.
- Lowering cholesterol: the fiber and antioxidants found in cabbage help to clean the blood vessels.
Benefits of cabbage for women
For women, kale is particularly beneficial due to its effects on skin, hair and hormonal balance.
Beauty support: vitamin C improves collagen production and antioxidants fight skin aging.
Weight loss: low calories and plenty of fiber make kale a great choice for dieting.
Breast cancer protection: studies show that regular consumption of kale reduces the risk of cancer in women.
Benefits of cabbage for men
For men, cabbage plays an important role in maintaining heart and vascular health:
- Improving heart function: potassium and magnesium strengthen the cardiovascular system, reducing the risk of hypertension.
- Improving potency: the zinc in cabbage helps normalize testosterone levels, improving male sexual function.
- Protection of the liver: cabbage helps the body to cleanse itself of toxins, reducing the burden on the liver.
Benefits of fresh cabbage
Fresh cabbage is the most beneficial as it retains maximum vitamins and antioxidants. It is rich in fiber, which: normalizes intestinal function, promotes the elimination of toxins, reduces blood sugar. Its use in raw form strengthens the immune system, cleanses the body and promotes weight loss.
And here is what I found among the interesting facts about cabbage
- Cabbage was cultivated in ancient Egypt and Greece about 4,000 years ago. It was valued for its weather resistance and nutritional properties. According to ancient Greek myth, cabbage came from the tears of King Lycurgus, who was punished by the gods.
- Popularity in Russia. Cabbage was one of the staple foods in ancient Russia. Russian peasants even considered it a symbol of prosperity.
- The largest cabbage. The record cabbage bob weighed about 62 kilograms. This record was set by a farmer from the USA in 2012.
- Cabbage juice is the medicine of antiquity. In ancient Rome, cabbage juice was used to treat wounds, stomachaches and snake bites.
- Unique Vitamin U. Cabbage contains a rare vitamin U, which helps heal the gastric mucosa and is useful for gastritis and ulcers.
- Sauerkraut is a tradition for thousands of years. Sauerkraut has been known for more than 2,000 years. It was first cooked in China by pouring thinly sliced leaves with rice wine.
- Many varieties. There are more than 400 varieties of cabbage in the world: white, red, Brussels, cauliflower, Savoy, Peking and even kale.
- Medicine for sailors. In the XVIII century cabbage saved sailors from scurvy due to its high vitamin C content. It was taken on ships in sour form.
- A symbol of generosity and abundance. In many cultures, cabbage symbolizes fertility. In culinary rituals, it was often used to “summon” a bountiful harvest.
- Moon cabbage. White cabbage grows best when sown during certain phases of the moon. Farmers and gardeners often refer to the lunar calendar.
- Cabbage soup is an international hit. Cabbage soup is a traditional Russian dish. And in Germany, sauerkraut cabbage soup, called Sauerkraut, is popular.
- Cabbage is an economical vegetable. In conditions of limited resources, cabbage was an ideal choice for many peoples because it was cheap to grow, long to store and had high nutritional value.
- Rituals and omens. In some countries it was believed that if you eat cabbage on the first day of the new year, the whole year will be rich.
- Long-lived on the bed. Some varieties of cabbage can withstand frosts as low as -15°C and continue to grow, making it an ideal winter vegetable.
- Cabbage festivals. Cabbage festivals are held annually in Germany and Russia, where people compete in cooking competitions and present the most unusual uses of this vegetable.
Benefits of sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is a real probiotic. During the fermentation process, it is enriched with lactic acid, which maintains the health of the intestinal microflora. It improves the absorption of nutrients, helps to strengthen the immune system. Sauerkraut is also low-calorie, which makes it useful for weight loss.
Benefits of braised cabbage
Braised cabbage retains a significant portion of vitamins, especially B vitamins and vitamin K. It is easily digested by the body. It improves digestion due to soft fiber. It is suitable for dieting due to its low calorie content. Braised cabbage is an ideal side dish for any meal, rich in nutrients.
Benefits of white cabbage
White cabbage is a versatile product available all year round. Its main benefits: its high vitamin C content strengthens immunity and protects against viruses, potassium supports heart health. Fiber normalizes metabolism and improves GI function.
Cabbage harm
Despite its many beneficial properties, cabbage can also have negative effects:
- Flatulence: due to the high amount of fiber, cabbage can cause abdominal bloating in people with a sensitive GI tract.
- Thyroid problems: when consumed in excess, raw cabbage can suppress iodine production, which is especially important to consider for people with thyroid problems.
- Increased acidity: people with gastritis or ulcers are advised to limit their consumption of raw cabbage.
Cabbage is a versatile and incredibly useful vegetable that is suitable for everyone: men, women, children and the elderly. Fresh, sauerkraut or stewed, it helps to improve health and diversify the diet. However, like any food, it should be eaten in moderation to maximize its benefits and avoid possible harm. Add cabbage to your menu to strengthen your body and keep you healthy for years to come!
To learn about the benefits of other products, go to the Benefits food page.