IMPORTANCE OF CABBAGE IN PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF TYPE 2 DIABETES

This article is not the substitute of any medical care on which are you but the main objective is to provide nutraceutical information of cabbage for diabetes a chronic medical illness which requires lifestyle and diet modification for better management. As in one of my previous articles “IMPORTANCE OF INEXPENSIVE HIGH FIBER DIET CHICKPEA OR KABULI CHANA USE IN DIABETES” nutraceutical information about chickpea has been highlighted.

ABOUT CABBAGE
It is low-carbs, low-cost, low-fat and low-calorie cruciferous leafy vegetable with high fiber content belongs to Brassicaceae family with others vegetables including radishes, arugula, Brussels sprouts, kale, cauliflower and broccoli. It is loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

TYPES OF CABBAGE
There are many types of cabbage as follows,
RED CABBAGE
Red cabbage is red and vibrant in color with peppery taste.
GREEN CABBAGE
Green cabbage is green in color and it is a  leafy vegetable with firm head.
SAVOY CABBAGE
With mild flavor it has crinkled and smooth leaves.

VERSATILE WAYS OF CABBAGE CONSUMPTION
Cabbage can be consumed as cooked food, as salad and as fermented foods (kimchi, sauerkraut)

NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF CABBAGE
Vitamin C, Vitamin k, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, dietary fiber( soluble and insoluble), folate, Phytosterols, poly phenols, anthocyanins, glutamine, potassium, manganese, calcium phosphorous, selenium, zinc magnesium, betalains, antioxidants (flavonoids, lutein, zeaxanthin, choline) copper and iron. The amount of nutrients may vary according to the type of cabbage.

CABBAGE AND DIABETES
According to scientific evidences cabbage has potential for prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes because of presence of active components which provides good glucose regulation. Let’s check out,

LOW GLYCEMIC INDEX VEGETABLE
Cabbage is low glycemic index vegetable. Unlike others fruits and vegetables it will not cause sudden blood sugar spikes because of presence of low carbs, high fiber and water content.

REDUCTION OF INFLAMMATION AND OXIDATIVE STRESS
Vitamin C, antioxidants, glutamine, anthocyanins and betalains all work together against the chronic inflammation, free radicals and oxidative stress of body which are the  most important mediators of type 2 diabetes.

CABBAGE AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
Cabbage by reducing the obesity attenuate the risk factor of diabetes. Presence of insoluble fiber bind the excess cholesterol and bile acids from the intestine and remove it from body. High fiber and water content with low fat and calorie it controls hunger and helpful in controlling portion size.

REGULATION OF GLUCOSE HOMEOSTASIS
Betalains in the cabbage regulates insulin production and lowers blood sugar level. Potassium is required for insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cell. Deficiency of potassium causes insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Cabbages have good amount of potassium and helpful against diabetes.

HOW CABBAGE IS HELPFUL IN PROTECTION OF ORGANS FROM THE DAMAGE SECONDRY TO DIABETES?
Cabbage also provides protection from the damage secondary to diabetes as follows,

LIVER
High fiber and water content with loaded antioxidants content improve liver function in diabetes patients by increasing excretion and detoxification. It also reduces the fat absorption ability of liver from the blood and increases cholesterol excretion from the body therefore, prevents the liver to become fatty which is one of the leading cause of insulin resistance.

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE RISK
Potassium, polyphenols, flavonoids, Vitamin K and anthocyanins all together reduces the risk of cardiovascular events secondary to diabetes by lowering blood pressure and inflammation, by preventing platelet adhesion and by relaxing arteries.

KIDNEY
Cabbage controls blood sugar level due to which load of filtration of excess sugar become lessen and kidney damage secondary to diabetes become minimize.

CONCLUSION
Nutraceutical benefits of cabbage make it important and valuable vegetable for nutritional therapy strategies for type 2 diabetes prevention and treatment.