The vegetables that we can find traditionally on the menu in Western Europe come from plants of the cabbage family (Cruciferae or Brassicaceae: both names are used). All types of cabbage fall into this family but aolso, for example radishes, arugula and mustard. The complete Cruciferae family includes about 3500 species of which of some 20 species are commonly eaten. The flowers, leaves or seeds we us as a food source.
The vegetables from this genus are known as a cheap and nutritious food source. They are not only a good source of proteins but also contain many vitamins, minerals and other substances which benefit our health.One sort of these substances are the glucosinolates. These substances are a sort of defense mechanism of the cabbage. When you cut an cabbage, it’s start creating this substance. When you leave the cabbage momentarily after slicing it up, it becomes even healthier. After 5 minutes, this effect is already noticeable, but the production of glucosinolates goes on for approximately 24 hours. To these glucosinolates together with some other substances present in the cabbage have lots of many positive health properties assigned to them.
There is an increasing body of evidence that supports these positive health properties. For example, there is increasing evidence if you have cabbage on the menu more often, you’ve got less risk to get several types of cancer. Here are a number of reasons summed up to eat some cabbage more often:
- Cabbage eaten supports the immune system.
- Cabbage has an antibacterial effect.
- Cabbage eaten has an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Cabbage as a food source protects against several forms of cancer.
- Cabbage is a good source of vitamin A, C, K & B11.
- Cabbage is a source of the minerals potassium, iron, zinc, selenium and manganese.
- Cabbage eaten regularly protects the heart and blood vessels.
- Cabbage as food source has an positive effect on the entire digestive tract.
- Cabbage in your meal makes your cholesterol levels drop.
- Cabbage is a nutritious vegetable that is also relatively cheap.
- Cabbage retains many of its healthy properties after preparation.
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Cabbage can be of help when you suffer from Crohn's disease. Many people who suffer from Crohn's disease are able to digest some species of cabbage. By discovering the species that your body can endure, and eat this cabbage on a regular basis, you're health would certainly improve on many levels (especially when combined with turmeric).
