Over60
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9 surprising health benefits of cabbage

While it may never have topped the most popular vegetable lists, the humble cabbage is a supermarket stalwart, especially during the cooler months. New research has revealed a whole slew of health benefits to adding something cabbage based to your plate, especially for the over-60s. Here we share nine of the best.

 1.     Lowers cholesterol

Steaming cabbage is an easy way to help manage your cholesterol levels. The heat causes the fibre properties to bind with the bile in your stomach so that it absorbs less nasties. Try adding half a head to the steamer basket next time your preparing veggies.

 2.     Relieves menopause

Red cabbage contains phytoestrogens, which help balance hormones and can reduce hot flushes.

 3.     Anti-ageing

While the majority of veggies are good for your skin, cabbage in Vitamin A and C, both of which are essential for healing and skin regeneration.

 4.     Healing

There’s a reason cabbage levels are still used to soothe tender spots when nursing mothers suffer mastitis, its healing properties. Clean leaves can be applied directly to skin irritation, bites or stings or blended up with water and applied as a liquid.

 5.     Prevents hair loss

Cabbage is rich in sulphur and vitamin A both of which are known to help stimulate hair growth.

 6.     Helps protect the body from cancer cells

Cabbage contains phytochemicals that have cancer preventing properties thought to be especially effective against bladder, colon, breast and prostate cancer.

 7.     Immunity booster

High in naturally occurring Vitamin C cabbage can help boost your immunity and stimulate detoxifying enzymes.

 8.     Reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s

The Vitamin K and anthocyanins in cabbage can help protect cognitive function and fight against plaque build up on the brain.

 9.     Weight loss

Low in calories and high in fibre, adding cabbage to a meal will help you feel full for longer and provides lots of extra nutrients.

Tags:
health, food, wellbeing, Naomi Cotterill