Cabbage is native to Europe and in winter it is one of the main livelihoods. The family of this vegetable is quite wide and all its types are rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a food with a great protective effect on the body. Cabbages are low in calories and fat, they provide vitamin C, potassium and fiber . They are ideal for diets low in sodium , and they also reduce the risk of cancer thanks to their high glucosilonate index.
Cabbage also contains antioxidants , so its consumption is recommended by specialists and researchers around the world. Although cabbage can be eaten throughout the year thanks to its variety, in winter it becomes the main sustenance for being the perfect season for this vegetable. Cabbage is a versatile food in the kitchen, it can be eaten cooked or raw .
Cabbage types
Cabbage comes from a very extensive vegetable branch. There are different species, among which are flower cabbages, root cabbages and leaf cabbages , everything depends on the consumable part of the plant. Red cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower are just a few of the cabbages that offer health benefits . It should be noted that each of them has its own particularity and properties individually.
Cabbage
This type of cabbage has a variety of size, color and texture . Its leaves form dense and closed buds. It is consumed raw or cooked . If you eat it raw, you can make the most of its high content of vitamin C , antioxidants and bioactive components. Cabbages can be found on the market all year round. There are cabbages with curly leaves, such as Savoy or Milan cabbage, also with smooth leaves and flat shape, red or purple cabbage such as red cabbage and weevil such as heart cabbage.
Kale
It is a very popular kale today. It is rich in minerals and low in calories , many people consume it in salads and diets such as detox or vegan. It is part of the nutritious curly cabbage family. Previously, it was thought that it could only be used as animal food, however that category has already been extended to human-edible vegetables due to its healthy content.
Cauliflower
It is a bouquet of flowers around a central axis that grows surrounded by leaves. They are white flowers because their long leaves prevent sunlight from touching them. It is a hypocaloric food due to its low content of macronutrients. It contains vitamin C and vitamin B6, as well as folates . It is a rich source of fiber and other minerals . Ideal for weight reduction diets. It can be consumed cooked or raw, in this last form it is not usually flatulent.
Brussels sprouts
It is low in calories , although compared to others, it is the cabbage with the most calories, but it is still ideal to consume as a weight loss food. It is the best known and most consumed type of cabbage. It has high levels of proteins and insoluble fiber, favoring intestinal flow . It can be used in the preparation of stews together with other legumes. It is usually confused with small cabbages, they are green, although purple varieties are also available. The best time for its consumption is from October to March.
Broccoli
This flower cabbage is considered a superfood . It has an intense flavor and goes perfectly with sauces and purees. A high consumption of broccoli helps reduce the risk of developing up to 12 types of cancer thanks to its rich content in glucosilonates , a compound with great antioxidant potential. There is a wide variety of broccoli, especially in colors that range from grayish green to purple. Shapes can be round with a central flower bouquet or smaller, sparse bouquets.
Causes of overeating cabbage
Including any type of cabbage in the daily diet helps fight anemia since they are rich in chlorophyll and its contribution in vitamin C. In addition, the contribution of magnesium, beta-carotene and iron maintain the health of the skin . However, it is important to note that its excessive consumption generates causes that are not so beneficial.
- Because of their high vitamin K content, Brussels sprouts and cabbage can interfere with blood-thinning medications. In that sense, its consumption is not recommended for people with this type of treatment since vitamin K counteracts its efficacy and effect.
- People with iodine deficiency should reduce their consumption, as the thyroid gland can be altered. Remember that crucifers contain glucosilonate , a substance that prevents the absorption of iodine and slows down the activity of the thyroid gland. Brussels sprouts, for example, is the type of cabbage that contains the most iodine.
