Cabbage is a herbaceous plant that belongs to cruciferous plants and is well known for its healthy properties. There is a multiple variety of cabbage; green cabbage, white cabbage, red cabbage, kale, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli. It is known for its nutritional qualities and its slimming effect.
It is well known that the majority of vegetables and fruits reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancers; cabbage is no exception.
Benefits of cabbage for the body
It has been verified through scientific experiments that cabbage protects many health-related complications. It is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, E, K, iron, iodine, calcium and folate. Its wealth of antioxidants allows it to protect the body against free radicals; its phenol content also allows it to reduce the growth of certain cancers.
Cabbage fights anemia: because of its wealth of iron and vitamin C and folate, it helps fight anemia by reducing fatigue and lack of energy.
It reduces the proliferation of cancer: red cabbage contains more of the phenolic compounds that reduce the proliferation of cancer cells.
Cabbage relieves constipation: source of insoluble fiber, cabbage helps fight constipation, it is advisable to consume raw.
Cabbage maintains the digestive system: its content of glutamine, an amino acid, allows it to cleanse and detoxify the digestive system thus allowing the healing of the stomach ulcer.
Cabbage helps to reduce overweight: cabbage is a slimming ally because of its low calorie content.
Cabbage reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease: anthocyanin, a soluble pigment contained in red cabbage and polyphenols, gives it the property of reducing inflammation and stabilizing blood pressure.
Cabbage helps control type 2 diabetes: according to American Association of Diabetes sources, cabbage contains fibers that absorb excess glucose in the blood.
In addition, it has been shown that cabbage has healing properties through external applications to treat and cure many ailments, including swollen skin and joint pain. It has also been used to treat arthritis and sports injuries, wounds, eczema. Its content of phytonutrients, vitamins, anthocyanins and glutamine confer anti-inflammatory properties. This treatment is part of alternative medicine and is prepared with cabbage compress.
Also, to reduce joint pain and inflammation, it is advisable to use red cabbage as a compress because of its anthocyanin content (substance that gives it the red color) considered a powerful antioxidant, according to the NYU Langone Medical Center in its report: The 13 Powerful Foods.
Green cabbage is intended for other healing properties such as the treatment of ulcers.
Treatment with cabbage compresses
Ingredients:
- Red cabbage (preferably organic)
- Gauze or bandage
- Baking paper
- Oven
- Rolling pin
Preparation
Peel an outer leaf of cabbage, wash it thoroughly and dry. On a clean tray, crush the cabbage leaf with a rolling pin to extract the juice.
Wrap the cabbage leaf in parchment paper and put it in the oven to heat it for a few minutes.
Place the cabbage directly on the sore area and cover the leaf with a bandage or gauze to keep it in place. Keep a lying position by slightly elevating the leg. This compress should be kept for one hour.
Repeat the same operation 2 to 3 times a day, changing the cabbage leaves each time. You will begin to feel the benefits and relief of pain the next day.
Warnings :
- In general, an allergy due to external application of cabbage is rare. However, if you experience swelling or itching, remove the pad immediately and consult a physician if irritation persists.
- Because of its high content of vitamin K, it is advisable for people who are on anticoagulant treatment to reduce their internal consumption of cabbage.
- It is also advisable to limit the consumption of cabbages to people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.