Cabbage - Nature Cures®

Also known as Brassica oleracea capitata

Brassicas, such as cabbage, are also known as cruciferous vegetables. can boost the immune system, prevent spina difida in newborns, prevent heart disease and many forms of cancer. Much research has focused on the beneficial phytochemicals in cabbage, particularly its sulforaphane and indoles such as indole-3-carbinole (I3C). These two compounds help activate and stabilise the body’s antioxidant and detoxification mechanisms that dismantle and eliminate cancer-producing substances.

They do this by inducing the production of phase II enzymes in the liver, which bind to potential carcinogens and remove them from the body. They also induce apoptosis which is the self-destruct sequence the body uses to eliminate old or cancerous cells. Sulforaphane helps with the detoxification in the liver, and this can help to prevent, or even cure, breast cancer.

Regular consumption of brassicas beneficially affects the way in which steroid hormones, including oestrogen, are metabolised and the way in which the oestrogen receptors on cells respond to the hormone. It can also prevent excessive cellular proliferation which can help to prevent colon cancer. Studies have shown that people who eat cabbage once a week compared to once a month slash their colon cancer risk by a third.

When cabbage is cut, chewed or digested, a sulphur-containing compound called sinigrin is brought into contact with the enzyme myrosinase, resulting in the release of glucose and breakdown products, including highly reactive compounds called isothiocyanates.

Glucoraphanin, which transforms into sulforaphane in the body, is found in broccoli, Brussel sprouts and cabbage and blocks a key destructive enzyme that damages cartilage. Consuming plenty of these cruciferous vegetables can protect the joints and help to treat arthritis.

Significant nutrients in cabbage in alphabetical order

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