Dorothy FarrarCabbage (medicinal plant)
If cabbage is mentioned, colloquially the vegetable cabbage is meant. The well-known subspecies of cabbage, such as cauliflower, broccoli, headed cabbage or Brussels sprouts, cannot be more different in shape and size.
General overview
Strictly speaking, the generic term cabbage includes a genus of the cruciferous plants with about 39 species and further subspecies, which also include oilseed rape and turnips. They are usually annual or biennial perennial plants that bloom from around May to September. Since cabbage is the most commonly grown vegetable in the world alongside tomatoes , the term cabbage usually refers to the cabbage.
Cabbage is a typical winter vegetable. The possibilities in the kitchen are very variable. Cabbage can be used in soups, salads, casseroles, meat dishes and juices.
occurrence and cultivation
Cabbage has its origins in the coastal regions of the Mediterranean Sea, where it was used as a food and medicine in ancient times . In Germany there is the first evidence for the 16th century. Cabbage has probably been used here since the early Middle Ages. Its original form can still be found today as the so-called cliff cabbage on Helgoland. In addition, it is usually only found in its various cultivated forms in gardens and in the field.
Cabbage is grown in significant numbers, especially in Schleswig-Holstein. There, near Dithmarschen, is the largest cabbage-growing area in Europe with around 80 million cabbages per year. The tip is the most popular variety of the Germans – the white cabbage . If there is nutrient-rich soil and sufficient water supply, cabbage will also grow in other regions. In the meantime there are cultivation areas on all continents. Surprisingly, Africa is currently one of the most active producers of the world’s oldest vegetable.
For a long time in central Europe, cabbage was considered the food of the poor and represented an uncomplicated alternative to cereals. Its popularity has now extended to high-end gastronomy. Cabbage is popular across national borders and can be found in numerous national dishes.
application and effect
Cabbage supports the entire healing process of the body. It contains a variety of vitamins , minerals and trace elements , making it one of the healthiest types of vegetables. Cabbage has a positive effect on health in any form of cultivation. Even when used externally, its leaves are healing. If you roll this for a while and make a poultice out of it, it promotes the healing of inflamed wounds.
However, cabbage has the best effect on health when consumed. It is rich in vitamins A , C and K. These vitamins ensure an intact immune system, strong bone structure and healthy skin. Potassium , calcium , iron and folic acid can also be detected. Cabbage is low in calories but unexpectedly high in protein . Green cabbage in particular is therefore an ideal source of energy with easily metabolized protein.
Dietary fiber is also a component of all types of cabbage. They convey a feeling of satiety, stimulate intestinal activity and promote balanced digestion. Thus, dietary fiber prevents many intestinal diseases. The flatulent effects of cabbage can be reduced by adding cumin or fennel to the preparation. Cabbage also has a positive effect on cholesterol and blood sugar levels and contains phytochemicals. They include, for example, the flavonoids . These bind free radicals in the body and thus prevent pathological changes in the cells.
What does cabbage help against?
- High blood sugar level
importance to health
However, the real wonder weapons of cabbage are the mustard oils. They are not only responsible for the sharp taste of the cabbage, but also unique active ingredients in cancer therapy. In the meantime, several studies have shown that the mustard oils contained in cabbage prevent the development of cancer cells. Furthermore, it was observed that already existing cancer cells destroy themselves and even the spread of tumors can be prevented. Even existing tumors should dissolve or at least shrink.
Responsible for this is diindolylmethane, DIM for short, which is produced by the digestion of mustard oils in the body. Clear research results with DIM are already available and so there can hardly be any doubt that a diet high in cabbage can have a positive effect on conventional cancer therapy ( chemotherapy , radiation) and perhaps even shorten it.
In the meantime, there have been promising studies on bladder cancer and the risk of breast cancer in women, among other things. All prove the anti-cancer effect.
Studies with cabbage juice also revealed a special effect on the stomach and intestines . Mustard oils relieve pain here and also promote the healing of ulcers in the stomach and duodenum . In addition, there is a blood-cleansing and anti-inflammatory effect , which leads to an improved clinical picture of gout and rheumatism. Since mustard oils are broken down during cooking, it is advisable to resort to raw foods such as salads when consuming cabbage therapeutically.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.