Benefits for the health
All cabbages are comparatively good sources of vitamin C and fibre, although Savoy cabbages also contain a high amount of pro-vitamin A carotenoids, folate and a series of phytochemicals. Vitamin A is essential for the sight, growth, the development of bones, the maintenance of the corporal tissues, the reproduction and the development of the hormonal functions and the co-enzymes.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects against several types of cancer and intensifies the immunological functions. Research shows that fibre consumption helps to protect against a set of disorders of the alimentary canal, including intestine cancer. Folate is important for a healthy pregnancy and the health of the new-born. A higher consumption of folate may also protect against cardiovascular diseases and cancer, particularly colon and uterus cancer. Folate takes part in the mental functions and helps children to keep their attention.
The phytochemicals are secondary compounds, non-nutrient, found in some vegetables and protecting against cancer and some cardiovascular diseases.
Popular tradition
Savoy cabbage is one of the varieties of vegetable with a greater content of vitamins, minerals and trace elements. It is a winter vegetable, a perfect food to protect the organism against influenza. A ration of this cabbage contains the recommended daily amount of vitamin C for a person. It contains as much calcium as two glasses of milk, and it is a great substitute in case of intolerance to milk or in case of being allergic to its proteins. In case of osteoporosis this vegetable must be consumed at least twice a week.
Savoy cabbages decontaminate the intestine and relieve constipation; they are fast regenerators of the deteriorated intestinal mucus, they fortify the mucus of the organism, protecting the cells from free radicals; they are recommended to revitalize and cheer up. This vegetable interrupts the processes of ageing caused by stress, it diminishes the concentrations of cholesterol and lipids in the blood.