Cabbage

When you want a vegetable that has lots of benefits, is easy to find, and lasts for a long time, the cabbage is definitely it. This is known all throughout the world with a lot of individuals including it in their dishes. The most well-known recipe which contains this veggie is fresh garden salad. The main reason for its popularity is the fact that it grows on any type of climate, and can be stored for weeks within your fridge. While you can find buy this at any time of the year, its peak season is late autumn and winter.

Its shape is round, while its layers of leaves are superimposed. The outer layers are darker in color than the inner leaf layers, since the latter don’t get enough nutrients from the sunlight. Like the Brussels sprouts and the broccoli, it belongs to the Brassica family.

It is widely known because it is a great source of nutrients. As with the other vegetables which have cruciferous leaves, the cabbage also has phytonutrients. This is an antioxidant which helps fight free radicals. When your body is exposed to free radicals, this will result to the damage of your cell membranes, DNA, and molecules which contain fat. Lately, new studies have shown that these phytonutrients actually function at deeper levels. They trigger your genes for the increased release of enzymes which aid with detoxification. This is the process of cleansing your body from harmful toxins.

Other than eliminating toxins, this veggie is also responsible for protecting you from gastrointestinal diseases. When you include this in your daily diet, you will be able to stop the development of colon cancer. This is because of sinigrin, which is a compound that contains sulfur. If this mixes with myrosinase, which is an enzyme, it releases breakdown byproducts and glucose. Among these byproducts is isothiocyanates, which are compounds that have reactive functions. These work by detoxifying carcinogens, inhibiting the division of cancer cells, and stimulating tumor cell death.

This vegetable is also an effective peptic ulcer treatment. This goes especially when you take in its raw juice. A study suggests that you should have a liter of this each day. In an average of 10 days, you will be able to heal your ulcer completely. This is due to the rich glutamine content, which is an amino acid. This fuels the cell lining of your small intestine and your stomach, prohibiting further damage.

The benefits of this veggie also cater to women’s health since this lessens the likelihood of developing breast cancer. You should have, at least 4 to 6 servings of this each week in order for you to reduce the risk to seventy-two percent. The benefits of cabbage are mostly obtained when you do not cook it for a long time. When you chop or slice the leaves, leave it for five to ten minutes before you cook it. When it comes to the preparation, you should remember to cook it lightly. You might want to just steam or sauté it for five to three minutes.

Submitted on September 4, 2008