Cabbage is a leafy green biennial plant, grown as an annual vegetable crop for its dense-leaved heads. Fresh, dark-green-leafy cabbage is incredibly nutritious; but very low in fat and calories.
Cabbage is also very useful in curing various health ailments. Below are some of the health benefits of cabbage.
- Rich in fiber
Cabbage is very rich in fiber, the main health benefit of roughage. This helps the body retain water and it maintains the bulkiness of the food as it moves through the bowels. Thus, it is a good remedy for constipation and other digestion-related problems.
- Rich in vitamin C
Fresh cabbage is an excellent source of natural antioxidant, vitamin C. Provides 36.6 mg or about 61% of RDA per 100 g. Regular consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals.
- Rich in vitamins
Cabbage is also rich in essential vitamins such as pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5), pyridoxine (vitamin B-6) and thiamin (vitamin B-1). These vitamins are essential in the sense that our body requires them from external sources to replenish.
- Good source of minerals
It also contains an adequate amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, iron, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme. Iron is required for the red blood cell formation.
- Good source of vitamin k
Cabbage is a very good source of vitamin K, provides about 63% of RDA levels. Vitamin-K has the potential role in bone metabolism through promoting osteotropic activity. So enough vitamin K in the diet will give you healthy bones.