Cabbage and its Health Benefits

I have been using cabbage in our food regularly and I was aware that this simple vegetable is good for our health. But recently I came to know about the various health benefits of this common vegetable and I decided to share it with you. It is one of cruciferous vegetables that we eat on a regular basis, both as raw and cooked.

• Cabbage is high in vitamin C. It is one of the best anti-oxidant, and is necessary for our body. It reduces free radicals in our body and helps in the wear and tear of our body.
• Cabbage is rich in iodine which is also helpful in treating ulcers, preventing certain cancers, strengthening immune system, proper functioning of nervous system etc.
• Cabbage is helpful in treating bleeding gums.
• Cabbage is rich in fiber and hence is very useful in preventing constipation.
• Since cabbage is rich in sulphur it helps to fight infections and healing of wounds.
• Cabbage is also a detoxifier and helps to purify blood by removing free radicals and thus prevents arthritis, gout, calculi, rheumatism etc.

100 g of cabbage contains -

Calories 23

Calcium 48 mg

Fiber 1.9 g

Protein 1.27 g

Potassium 196 mg

Vitamin C 37.5 mg

Vitamin B6 0.112 mg

Including cabbage in our food, at least 3-4 times a week, is said to be a good practice. Cabbage can be used as soups, salad, side dish, pulav, rice, poriyal, parathas, rolls, baked, steamed and in various other recipes.

Cabbage is also used in various Chinese recipes.

Researchers say that using cabbage in the steamed form is more beneficial for health.

Caution: If you feel that the vegetables you bought are infected with worms, wash them thoroughly and soak it in salt water or vinegar water for 15-20 minutes.

Excess use of cabbage is also not good. In the same way, for certain diseases, doctors recommend that regular use of cabbage be avoided.

Growing cabbages in pots or plastic containers can be very rewarding and also challenging. With a combination of little interest and efforts healthy cabbages can be produced in your own garden within no time.

Cabbages are usually cultivated in different seasons and they are termed accordingly.

The summer cabbages are cultivated in around January to April, and they can be harvested in May to July. Autumn or winter cabbages take about 28 weeks for harvest. The seeds for spring cabbages are sowed sometime in July to August and the harvest will be ready by October to January.

One of the main thing is to be considered while growing cabbages on pots or plastic containers is that the containers should have enough holes at the bottom for draining excess moisture to prevent root damage.

Those who do not have the luxury of a kitchen garden can grow their vegetables on the terrace. The photos of the cabbage in this hub are taken from the terrace garden of my niece. See how well they can be grown.