Health Benefits of Cabbage

Cabbage is one of the most widely cultivated and consumed vegetables in the world. They store well and grow in many different areas of the world, which makes them readily available throughout the year. A whole cabbage resembles a head of lettuce in that it is round in shape and composed of many green leaves that are superimposed on top of one another. In the same family as kale and broccoli, cabbage is a very healthy vegetable that contributes to overall health in a number of different ways.

Cancer Fighter

Cabbage is full of phytonutrients, which signal the body to produce enzymes involved in the detoxification of the body. These enzymes help to fight free radicals that can cause a number of different types of cancer, including lung and prostate cancer.

Vitamic C

Cabbage is a good source of vitamin C, with one cup containing over half of the daily recommended amount. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects against the cell-damaging effects of oxidation from free radicals.

Alzheimer's Disease

Not all cabbage is green. In fact, a special kind called red cabbage has special antioxidants called polyphenols. These help protect brain cells from being damaged in a way that relates specifically to Alzheimer's disease.

Cholesterol

Cabbage has a certain phytonutrient known as indole-3-carbinol. This helps to lower cholesterol in the body by preventing the liver from secreting an enzyme that helps to carry cholesterol throughout the body.

Ulcers

Cabbage juice has a good concentration of glutamine, a type of amino acid. This protects and strengthens cells in the stomach, which helps prevent ulcers from forming.