Did you know that, aside from its nutritional properties and its fame in the Cabbage Soup Diet, the cabbage also contains a lot of stories with it? Believe it or not, it does. The botanical name for cabbage is Brassica oleracea capitata. The name ?cabbage? is derived from the French term ?caboche?, which means ?head?. It was called such because the head of the cabbage is typically of a round form.
The History of Cabbage
For more than 4,000 years, cabbage has been farmed and has been a staple for over Two and a Half millennia. It was the Celts who brought cabbage to Europe from Asia around 600 years B.C. Since cabbage grows pretty well in cooler climates and is known to store well over winter, the cruciferous vegetable soon became a major product in Europe.
Back then, the early cabbage was a more loose-leaf variety rather than the full-bodied head that it is today. Northern European farmers developed the many varieties of head cabbages during the Middle Ages. A French navigator named Jacques Cartier brought cabbage to the Americas in the year 1536.
The Facts of Cabbage
Cabbage grows to its full harvestable size with in three months. It has been known that the cabbage yield is greater than that of any other vegetable. That is the reason why it is such a preferred product. Other related cruciferous cabbage cousins include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, cauliflower, and kale.
The largest cabbage the world has ever seen weighed in at 123 pounds. This monster of a cabbage belonged to a 19 century farmer named William Collingwood. Collingwood hails from the County of Durham in England. The Cabbage weight was recorded in 1865.
The Stories of Cabbage
The Romans and Greeks placed great value, significance, on the healing abilities of cabbage. They thought that the vegetable is able to cure any kind of disease or illness. In Roman mythology, the crop is believed to have sprung from the tears of the ?King of the Edonians?, Lycurgus. Even Emperor Claudius called his Senate to debate whether any other dish could top that of the highly popular ?Corned Beef and Cabbage?. The answer of course is a resounding No!
An interesting fact is that Egyptian Pharaoh used to consume immense quantities of cabbage before setting out for a night of merriment and drinking. They believed that consuming the cabbage gives them freedom to drink more alcoholic beverages without fear of its adverse side effects. This ideology still stands today, with people still practicing the use of cabbage cooked with a bit of vinegar as a cure for hangovers.
In 1769, Captain Cook was documented to swear on the healing properties of the Sauerkraut, which is a fermented cabbage dish. He is said to have used the dish as a compress for the wounds of soldiers in the war. Apparently cabbage prevented the soldiers from getting infected gangrene.
The part of cabbage in popular lore and history are always present. The earliest parental alibi to the question: ?Where do babies come from?? were answered by mothers saying that babies were gathered from cabbage patches. This is the legend behind the immensely popular and collectible cabbage patch kid dolls that came all bundled up or dressed and with their own birth certificates.
So now you see that cabbages do not only offer us health benefits, whether in the Cabbage Soup Diet or in fighting against Cancer, but they also contain stories that will feed our minds and imaginations.
Although cancer is mainly hereditary, we can still do ways to avoid it. One of which is consuming cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cabbage.
Researches and Studies in Cabbages
In the National Cancer Research Conference held recently in Britain, a study was conducted and presented that green leafy vegetables such as cabbage and Brussels sprout contain a certain compound - indole-3-carbinol (I3C) - that can be used to kill cancer cells, most especially when used in combination with the chemotherapy drugs. The indole group of sulfur compounds binds to the chemical carcinogens and stimulates enzymes that will detoxify those carcinogens. The I3C found in cabbages appear to have the effects on estrogen metabolism, helping prevent breast cancer. Such compound is also significant in preventing or retarding cancer of the prostate.
A study was also conducted by the Netherlands Cohort on Diet and Cancer. The study revealed that those eating the most vegetables gained a 25% drop in their colorectal risk. However, those who consumed the most cruciferous vegetables benefited a 49% lower risk for colorectal cancer.
Cabbages Fight Against Cancer
In Singapore, a study found that in non-smokers, regular consumption of cruciferous vegetables reduced lung cancer risk by 30%. Meanwhile, a 69% drop in lung cancer risk was found with the smokers.
A research which was published in the International Journal of Cancer has proven that cabbages, along with other cruciferous vegetables, can also reduce the risk of bladder cancer.
Crucifers' well-known properties in fighting against cancer are thought to have resulted from their great levels of active phytochemicals known as glucosinolates. These phytochemicals are metabolized by our bodies into powerful and rather effective anti-carcinogens known as isothiocyanates.
Proven Benefits of Cabbages
Studies, both in humans and animals, have consistently shown that diets that are high in cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, are associated with lower occurrence of a variety of cancer.
With the 94 studies that have shown the relationship between Brassica or cruciferous vegetables and cancer, 70% of the studies revealed that cabbage consumption was more associated with a lower risk of cancer, especially of the stomach, colon, and lung.
The protective benefits of cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables were even more evident in three groups typically at higher risk for cancer: smokers, men, and older individuals who aged at least 64. Consuming half of a head of cabbage everyday or very large amounts of other cruciferous vegetables is what it would take for you to have the kind of health risk reduction that you are searching for.
And to get the most benefit and advantage from your cruciferous vegetables, most especially the cabbages, ensure that you choose organically grown vegetables because their phytonutrients levels are primarily higher than those cabbages that are conventionally grown. Lightly steam your cabbages as this method of cooking retains the most phytonutrients and maximizes their availability.
This article is designed for information purposes only. It is not to substitute for medical advice provided by your physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication.
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