The Celts and Romans have cultivated the cabbage plant for centuries, the vegetable par excellence. Cabbage has been used for more than two thousand years as a food as well as medicine.
Cabbage Plant Scientific Facts
- French: Chou.
- Spanish: Col.
- Environment: Native to Europe, where it grows wild along the English Channel, Atlantic, and western Mediterranean coasts. The plant is cultivated all over the world.
- Description: Plant of the Cruciferae family, with large, divided, fleshy leaves, and without heart.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally: Leaves.
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Healing Properties and Warning
Cabbage leaves are rich in chlorophyll and thus magnesium. They also contain a sulfured substance similar to that contained in mustard, mineral salts, vitamins (mainly vitamins C, A, and probably U), mucilage, and an anti-ulceration factor still not identified. Cabbage is relatively rich in sugars or carbohydrates (7%) and proteins (4%); however, it contains a pretty low amount of fats (0.4%). It has the following properties:
- Antiulceration: Internally used, cabbage juice is recommended for gastro-duodenal ulcers, which cabbage can heal. In his work Health Through Nutrition, Dr. Schneider mentions experiments through which fresh cabbage juice’s cicatrizing (wound healing) ability has been proven on gastro-duodenal ulcers. After four or five days of drinking a glass of juice before each meal, stomach aches disappeared. After three weeks, the ulcer was healed. This antiulcerative action is likely due to the still-not-well-known vitamin U.
- Anti-anemic, antiscorbutic, and hypoglycemic (in diabetic people, it decreases the level of sugar in the blood).
- Cicatrizant and vulnerary: Cabbage, when applied as poultices, heals infected wounds, varicose and torpid ulcers, eczema, furuncles, and acne.
- Anticancerous: There is evidence that the cabbage plant can act as a preventative in the formation of cancerous tumors. This is likely due to its content of carotene (vitamin A).
WARNING! When the cabbage plant is continuously consumed for long periods, it can have an antithyroid effect and even produce goiter.
How to use Cabbage
- Fresh plant juice: Drink from half a glass to one glass (100-200 ml), three or four times daily, before each meal, on an empty stomach.
- Poultices are prepared either with raw leaves (previously mashed with a cylindrical bottle or a rolling pin) or with cooked leaves mixed with bran to make the mixture more compact. Cabbage leaves can also be heated with an iron and then applied with a Band-Aid on the skin.
Frequently Asked Question
Does the type of cabbage plant (red, green, etc.) impact the specific benefits?
Yes! While all cabbages are good for you, there are subtle differences:
1. Red/Purple cabbage: The highest concentration of anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants linked to heart health and reduced inflammation.
2. Green cabbage: Excellent source of Vitamin K1, essential for blood clotting and bone health.
3. Savoy cabbage: Slightly higher in fiber than other varieties, aiding digestion.
How does the cabbage plant support gut health?
Cabbage has several gut-friendly properties:
1. Fiber: Insoluble fiber adds bulk, promoting regularity and preventing constipation.
2. Prebiotics: Cabbage contains compounds that feed beneficial gut bacteria, contributing to a healthy microbiome.
3. Glutamine: An amino acid in cabbage helps maintain the gut lining, potentially aiding conditions like leaky gut.
Is there a link between cabbage plant consumption and cancer prevention?
Research is promising but ongoing. Cabbage contains compounds like sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol, which may have these effects:
1. Detoxification: This may help the body eliminate potential carcinogens.
2. Anti-inflammatory: Chronic inflammation is linked to increased cancer risk.
3. DNA protection: Studies suggest cabbage may protect cellular DNA from damage.
Can the cabbage plant help with heart health?
Yes! Here’s how:
1. Cholesterol: Cabbage’s soluble fiber binds with cholesterol in the gut, helping lower blood levels.
2. Blood pressure: Potassium in cabbage helps relax blood vessels, potentially lowering blood pressure.
3. Antioxidants: Cabbage’s antioxidants, especially in red cabbage, combat oxidation linked to heart disease.
Is it better to eat the cabbage plant raw or cooked?
Both offer benefits! Tradeoffs exist:
1. Raw: Maximizes specific vitamins (like vitamin C) and cancer-fighting compounds. However, raw cabbage can also be more challenging to digest for some.
2. Cooked: More easily digested and may release other beneficial compounds. A slight loss of some nutrients may occur.
Can the cabbage plant help with weight management?
Yes! Cabbage is an excellent weight management tool because it is:
1. Low-calorie: Fill up without consuming many calories.
2. High-fiber: Helps you feel full, potentially leading to reduced food intake overall.
3. Nutritious: Provides essential vitamins and minerals while dieting.
Are there any nutrient interactions to be aware of with cabbage?
Be mindful of these if you have specific health conditions:
1. Blood thinners: Very high cabbage intake might interfere with medications like warfarin due to
vitamin K content. Consult with your doctor.
2. Thyroid issues: If you have hypothyroidism, large amounts of raw cabbage could potentially impact iodine absorption. Moderation is key.
How can I incorporate more cabbage into my diet?
Be creative! Cabbage is versatile:
1. Salads and slaws: Raw, shredded cabbage is a classic.
2. Soups and Stews: Adds hearty flavor and texture.
3. Stir-fries: Cooks quickly blend well with other ingredients.
4. Fermented foods: Try making sauerkraut or kimchi for gut-healthy probiotics.
Is cabbage safe for everyone?
For most people, yes. Rarely do some individuals experience gas, bloating, or digestive discomfort, especially when eating large amounts of raw cabbage. It’s also important to consult your doctor if you have medication or health condition concerns (see Q7).
Where do I find reliable information on cabbage and health?
Trustworthy sources include:
Reputable health sites: Healthline https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-cabbage Medical News Today https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/284823
Peer-reviewed journals: Search PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ for studies
University websites: .edu domains often have reliable nutrition information
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. It would be best to not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, you should talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 433,434. Print.
- Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/
- Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/
- Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3766876/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4126501/
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API