Cabbage (Brassica oleracea or variants) is a leafy green or purple vegetable. Cabbage is a very powerful vegetable with ancient healers declaring it to contain "moon power", as it grew in the moonlight. It has a very high sulphur and Vitamin C content.

History and Origin
Whilst it is not completely clear where cabbage originated, it is thought that it dates back to a province in China around 4,000 BC. It is then believed to have been transported to the Mediterranean region of Europe around 600 BC. Research indicates it was a domesticated vegetable during Greek and Roman times. It is known as one of the oldest of all vegetables.

Cabbage is considered one of the main vegetables in Russia with it being a key ingredient in some of their main national soups. Chinese scrolls from 1,000 BC regarded white cabbage as a cure for baldness in men. It is reported that during Captain Cook's first voyage in the 17th century, the ship's doctor used cabbage in a poultice to wrap around the wounds of any injured crew members, to stop gangrene from setting in.

Nutrient Database - USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)

Reference Values for Nutrition - FDA U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Aids weight loss (Cabbage aids weight loss because it is a very low-calorie, high-fiber, and high-water-content food that increases feelings of fullness and reduces overall calorie intake). While the Cabbage Soup Diet may result in short-term weight loss, it's crucial to avoid restrictive diets and instead focus on a balanced eating plan with a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods, as recommended by health care providers.

Arthritis, rheumatism (Cabbage contains high levels of Vitamin C and sulphur, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory properties, potentially benefiting conditions like arthritis, rheumatism, and gout by reducing chronic inflammation and oxidative stress). Specifically, its sulforaphane, an anti-inflammatory sulphur compound, and Vitamin C, an antioxidant, help manage inflammation. Some studies and folk traditions suggest applying cabbage leaves topically to joints can reduce pain and swelling, although the effects may be less potent than with over-the-counter pain relief gels.

Reduce high blood pressure (Cabbage can help reduce high blood pressure because it's a source of potassium and nitrates). Potassium helps to balance sodium in the body and relaxes blood vessel walls, while the nitrates in leafy greens like cabbage are converted to nitric oxide, which also relaxes and dilates blood vessels. Eating more potassium-rich and nitrate-rich cabbage is a delicious way to help manage blood pressure.

Can help relieve pain and hardness associated with engorgement (Applying chilled cabbage leaves to the breasts can help relieve pain and hardness associated with engorgement, though evidence for a reduction in engorgement itself is less consistent). The leaves are thought to have a soothing, anti-inflammatory effect and may absorb fluid, but more research is needed to fully understand their mechanism and effectiveness for engorgement.

Prevention of Alzheimer's (Cabbage contains Vitamin K, which plays a crucial role in brain health and may contribute to the prevention of Alzheimer's disease by having neuroprotective effects, though more research is needed). Vitamin K is essential for maintaining proper brain function, and some studies suggest a connection between low vitamin K levels and an increased incidence of Alzheimer's. Including vitamin K-rich foods like cabbage in your diet can support brain health and potentially reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline.

Alleviating skin conditions (Cabbage offers skin benefits by providing antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and flavonoids, that combat oxidative stress and help remove toxins from the body, potentially alleviating skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and acne). These compounds protect cells from free radical damage, suppress inflammation, and support liver detoxification, leading to improved skin health and a more youthful appearance. 

Beneficial for people with diabetes (Consuming cabbage, particularly red cabbage, can be beneficial for people with diabetes, as the red pigments, anthocyanins, help to lower blood sugar by improving insulin function and increasing insulin production). Cabbage's low glycaemic index, high fiber content, and rich supply of antioxidants also contribute to blood sugar control and can help manage complications of diabetes, such as inflammation and oxidative stress.

Potentially helping with arthritis and rheumatic pain (Cabbage helps reduce inflammation due to sulforaphane and antioxidants like kaempferol, which block inflammatory pathways and reduce oxidative stress). Both dietary consumption and topical application of cabbage leaves can offer anti-inflammatory benefits, from reducing general inflammation and pain to potentially helping with arthritis, skin conditions, and postpartum breast issues.

Cabbage & Health benefits - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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