Beauty and Health with Cabbage
Cabbage or band gobhi (Brassica oleracea Capitata) is native to the Mediterranean coast and is a cole crop. These crops grow very well in cool moist conditions mostly, during winter. Cabbage is an important vegetable and is quite extensively used all over the world in curries and pickles. It is also used in the raw form in salads, both chopped and shredded like coleslaw. Several varieties of cabbage have been cultivated since ancient times and it is available in different colours in different parts of the world.
Red cabbage is chiefly used for pickles. It contains polyphenols which help in the removal of free radicals from the body. Chinese cabbage is used mostly in salads. Brussels sprouts (brasssica oleracea) are tiny miniature cabbages and are perfect for freezing. They are often frozen in large quantities and are also canned.
Cabbages are rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants and is a must-have in all therapeutic diets. They are low in calories and fat with loo grams of cabbage containing only 27 kcals and 0.1 gram of fat. This vegetable is perfect for those trying to lose weight because of its nutrient value. It also has a low glycemic index that helps control blood sugar levels. Cabbage is also rich in fibre.
It helps prevent constipation by maintaining free bowel movement and the high fibre content in cabbage keeps cholesterol levels in check. it is also a good source of vitamin C, which is one of its antioxidant properties. Cabbage is also a rich source of vitamin K which plays a part in clotting blood, thus preventing excess blood loss when there is an injury or cuts. Vitamin K is very important for new born babies and pregnant women.