{"id":1365,"date":"2023-02-24T17:18:19","date_gmt":"2023-02-24T17:18:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthnews.zone\/?p=1365"},"modified":"2023-02-24T17:18:19","modified_gmt":"2023-02-24T17:18:19","slug":"7-potential-health-benefits-of-cabbage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthnews.zone\/?p=1365","title":{"rendered":"7 Potential Health Benefits of Cabbage"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A member of the Brassica<\/em> genus of cruciferous vegetables, cabbage shares its botanical heritage with veggie power players like kale<\/a>, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. Like these leafy green cousins, cabbage contains high amounts of antioxidants, which may be responsible for its surprising list of potential health benefits. Besides being chock-full of inflammation-fighting compounds, cabbage is high in vitamins C and K, which bring their own wellness boosts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although it\u2019s rumored that Prince Phillip used \u201ccabbage\u201d as a term of endearment for his wife, Queen Elizabeth II \u2014 and the veggie symbolizes wealth and prosperity in Lunar New Year celebrations \u2014 cabbage doesn\u2019t exactly have a royal reputation. This rather humble head of greens is rarely the centerpiece of meals and is often used more for its crunchy texture than its flavor. Still, once you discover its many advantages for your health, you may want to give cabbage a place of honor on your plate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are seven reasons to get crunching on cabbage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Cabbage Helps Lower Inflammation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Underlying much of cabbage\u2019s potential for health is its ability to reduce inflammation. Each crisp leaf harbors numerous antioxidants, the edible substances known for ousting harmful free radicals. Research in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition<\/em><\/a> revealed that kaempferol, quercetin, and apigenin are the most abundant antioxidants in green cabbage, while cyanidin is most prevalent in red cabbage. These may have significant health effects. Kaempferol, for example, has been linked<\/a> to cancer prevention<\/a>, and cyanins<\/a> possess anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, and anti-obesity effects, research suggests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other helpful compounds in cabbage include glucosinolates. \u201cWhen these compounds are eaten and absorbed into the tissues, they react with signaling proteins in the cells that produce antioxidant and anti-inflammatory enzymes, proteins, and other protective molecules by the cell,\u201d says food scientist Bryan Q. Le, PhD<\/a>, of Puyallup, Washington. \u201c[This process] helps the body rid itself of highly reactive oxygen species and other toxic waste products. This can lead to a reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress, which may provide some protection against cardiovascular diseases, carcinogens, and metabolic disorders like diabetes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Cabbage May Play a Role in Fighting Cancer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In recent years, there\u2019s been plenty of discussion around cruciferous veggies\u2019 potential for fighting cancer. Cabbage falls under the cruciferous umbrella, possessing a unique matrix of nutrients that fit well in an anti-cancer diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For starters, cabbage is high in vitamin C<\/a>, with 25 milligrams per cup, making it an excellent source, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)<\/a>. Research<\/a> suggests that a diet high in vitamin C could play a role in preventing pulmonary, breast, and pancreatic cancers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then there are those helpful glucosinolates again. \u201cAfter cutting, chewing, or digesting cabbage, glucosinolates break down into bioactive compounds with potential anti-inflammatory properties,\u201d explains Santa Monica, California\u2013based oncology dietitian and chef Cindy Chou, RDN, of The Sound of Cooking<\/a> and Cancer Nutrition in a Bowl<\/a>. Research<\/a> supports this notion. \u201cThis may help with the detoxification of carcinogens,\u201d she adds. One example: A\u00a0study<\/a> on Chinese adults exposed to air pollution found that those who consumed more glucosinolates had lower measures of toxic substances in their urine. Additionally, a study published in April 2018 in The<\/em> British Journal of Nutrition<\/em><\/a> showed that eating cruciferous veggies like cabbage was associated with lower breast cancer risk. Other research in Annals of Oncology<\/em><\/a> linked cabbage with reduced risk of colon cancer<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Cabbage Could Promote Recovery From COVID-19<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If a bout of COVID-19<\/a> has you down for the count, consider a soothing cabbage soup<\/a> as part of your recovery toolkit. A study published in August 2020 in the European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology<\/em><\/a> found that consumption of cabbage and fermented vegetables could mitigate the effects of severe COVID-19. The study\u2019s authors theorized that cabbage\u2019s antioxidant compounds may reduce insulin resistance<\/a> and damage to the lungs and blood vessels \u2014 two severe side effects of the virus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Napa cabbage and Taiwanese cabbage are Chou\u2019s top choices for a comforting soup when you\u2019re sick. \u201cThese two varieties work especially well in soups and stews when added in the last five minutes of cooking,\u201d she says. To reap the antiviral benefits of cabbage and fermentation, try kimchi as a side dish for a noodle bowl or eggs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Cabbage Helps With Blood Clotting and Bone Health<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Vitamin K may not be the most buzzworthy nutrient, but it\u2019s not without its perks for health. As the National Institutes of Health<\/a> notes, K is responsible for important functions like helping your blood clot properly and supporting healthy bones. Fortunately, cabbage is an excellent source, with 53 micrograms per cup, per the USDA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One K caveat: This vitamin is fat-soluble, so when preparing cabbage, be sure to include a source of dietary fat to ensure absorption. According to farmer Amanda Terillo, RDN<\/a>, who is based in Barboursville, Virginia, this shouldn\u2019t be too difficult. \u201cMany foods that you would cook with cabbage will naturally have fat, such as beef and fatty fish,\u201d she says. \u201cOther ways to include fats could be adding avocado to tacos with cabbage, using oil-based salad dressings in your cabbage salad, and using a good-quality mayonnaise to make coleslaw.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Cabbage Is Good for Digestion<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As a good source of fiber, cabbage could minimize digestive woes like diarrhea and constipation<\/a>. The veggie\u2019s insoluble fiber<\/a> is a particular hero of digestive help because it adds bulk to stool and promotes regular bowel movements, the Mayo Clinic<\/a> notes. For some people, however, sulfuric compounds in cabbage could cause gas and bloating<\/a>. You may need to experiment to determine your level of tolerance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a one-two punch for digestive health<\/a>, consider adding fermented cabbage (aka kimchi) to meals and snacks. \u201cKimchi contains the Lactobacillus <\/em>bacterium. These lactic acid bacteria have probiotics<\/a> with health-promoting properties that can help improve our digestion and support the gut microbiome<\/a> by creating a diverse mixture of healthful microbes in the intestines,\u201d says Chou. A study published in November 2021 in Foods<\/em><\/a> found that foods fermented with Lactobacillus <\/em>could modulate the gut\u2019s response to stress. And a study published in July 2020 in The Journal of Nutrition<\/em><\/a> concluded that fermented foods help overcome gut dysbiosis (the imbalance of gut microbes that can lead to inflammation). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Cabbage Is High in Vitamin C<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You might associate vitamin C with citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, but don\u2019t discount cabbage for a boost, too. In addition to its potential anti-cancer effects, the vitamin C in cabbage offers several bonuses for your health \u2014 starting with your skin. It could promote a more youthful appearance, as it promotes collagen production, as research<\/a> suggests. And some research<\/a> has linked higher levels of vitamin C with UV protection and reduced signs of skin aging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The selling points of C don\u2019t stop there! \u201cVitamin C also aids in wound healing, helps improve the immune system, reduces the severity of certain periodontal diseases, and helps absorb iron, another important mineral for the body,\u201d says Terillo. \u201cIron can come from heme (animal) or nonheme (nonanimal) sources, though heme iron is absorbed the best.\u201d To get the most out of heme iron and vitamin C, Terillo suggests making cabbage as a side dish to lamb or another red meat roast, or making a sardine sandwich with chopped cabbage on top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Cabbage Boosts Heart Health<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cardiovascular health and inflammation are inextricably linked \u2014 so it\u2019s no surprise that antioxidant-rich cabbage is a heart-healthy food. Some research has shown that the kaempferol<\/a> and quercetin<\/a> found in green cabbage and the cyanins<\/a> in red cabbage could promote healthy heart function. Meanwhile, a\u00a0study published in February 2021 in The<\/em> British Journal of Nutrition<\/em><\/a> that tracked the diets of older women found that those who ate more cruciferous veggies had less abdominal aortic calcification, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular events. To promote heart health \u2014 and numerous other benefits \u2014 grab a cabbage and crunch away!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Original article: https:\/\/www.everydayhealth.com\/diet-nutrition\/potential-health-benefits-of-cabbage\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A member of the Brassica genus of cruciferous vegetables, cabbage shares its botanical heritage with veggie power players like kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. Like these leafy green cousins, cabbage contains high amounts of antioxidants, which may be responsible for its surprising list of potential health benefits. Besides being chock-full of inflammation-fighting compounds, cabbage is high in vitamins C and K, which bring their own wellness boosts. Although it\u2019s rumored that Prince Phillip used \u201ccabbage\u201d as a term of endearment […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1365","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-food"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthnews.zone\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1365","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthnews.zone\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthnews.zone\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthnews.zone\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthnews.zone\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1365"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/healthnews.zone\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1365\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1366,"href":"https:\/\/healthnews.zone\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1365\/revisions\/1366"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthnews.zone\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1365"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthnews.zone\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1365"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthnews.zone\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1365"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}