The Healing Power of Vegetables

Cabbage

Brussels sprout, Collard, broccoli all these vegetables are in the family of the cabbage.
Their nutrient levels and contents may vary slightly.

White cabbage

Rich in potassium and very low in sodium making it good and valuable for people with hypertension (oedema, fluid retention), coronary heart disease and arteriosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries)

• Good source of calcium. The body absorbs the calcium in cabbage much better than that in milk thus making it good for managing osteoporosis.
• Cabbages are rich in fibre, good in aiding digestion.
• Cabbage is a mild laxative it helps regulate passage through the intestines.
• Cabbage juice will expel intestinal parasites when one drinks ½ a glass on an empty stomach for 5 consecutive days
• It is ideal for obesity due to its filling effect, low calories and its richness in vitamins and minerals.
• It is well tolerated by diabetics due to its low carbohydrate content.

The chemicals (phytochemicals) found in the cabbage inhibit the growth of cancer cells. The action of these chemicals (vitamin U) is both preventative and curative in case of cancer. The strong smell of cabbage is due to its sulfurated substances. These act as antibiotics and help to rebalance the bacterial flora within the intestines in cases of infection.

Preparation and Use

Cabbage should be eaten raw or juiced for medicinal purposes. Its phytochemicals are destroyed by heat. For positive results drink 3 spoonfuls to ½ a cup on an empty stomach for a period of not less than 1 week.
Cabbage combines well with other vegetables for a great delicious salad. Cabbage is delicate and should be cooked for a very short time to preserve both the taste and nutrients.

Caution!

Some of the substances found in cabbage interfere with the absorption of iodine by the thyroid. The substance is only produced by an action of an enzyme in raw cabbage. Raw cabbage should therefore be avoided as a cautionary measure in cases of hypothyroidism or goitre.

Pepper (Green pepper, sweet pepper)

It is possible to find different colours of peppers these days; yellow, red and even purple. These peppers have common nutrients and for the brightly coloured ones, they are rich in provitamin A (beta-carotene).

Healing properties Facts

1. It is very rich in vitamin A and C that prevents cancer of the digestive system.
2. Regular pepper consumption contributes to the prevention of stomach and colon cancer.
3. Red peppers are rich in lycopene a carotenoid also found in tomatoes. An antioxidant that protects the cell against cancerous degeneration.
4. Flavanoids, anti-inflammatory antioxidants that protect the circulatory systems
5. Capsaicin is a substance that makes peppers hot. Capsacin stimulates digestion.
6. The fibre content together with the capsaicin acts as a mild laxative it is therefore good for managing constipation.
7. They are very low in calories and carbohydrates it is tolerated by diabetics and suitable for the diets of weight watchers.

Preparation and Use

Peppers mix well with other vegetables in a raw salad. It can also be juiced together with other vegetables it gives the juice a pleasant aroma and flavour. The most healthful way to cook peppers is by roasting, this way they retain most of the nutrients and it improves their taste!

Paprika, powdered dried pepper, is a healthy colouring for a variety of dishes.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are among the most water-rich foods. Of its total weight, 96% is water. Its high value is associated with its mineral content which is highly alkaline.

Healing properties

1. Neutralizes excess acidic waste produced in the body as a consequence of regular consumption of meat and other animal products. Good for Nyama choma Lovers.
2. Facilitates elimination of waste substances from the bloodstream through the skin or the urine.
3. Increases urine output.
4. Facilitate movement of faeces through the intestines.
5. It is good for weight management since it gives a feeling of satiety and is very low in carbohydrates.
6. It is also good for diabetics.
7. Good for the skin. It hydrates the skin and provides the sulfur needed for healthy skin cells, nails and hair.
8. Cucumbers are recommended for those suffering from skin conditions like eczema, dermatosis and psoriasis.
9. Applied directly on the skin it can relieve sunburn and are an effective beauty treatment.

Note

Vegetables are packed with the very essential antioxidants and enzymes needed by our bodies for optimum health. Do all you can to eat as many vegetables and fruits as you can but sometimes it is not possible to do just that your alternative then is to juice them every day this way you are sure you are getting the right amounts. Juices are also easily digested, absorbed and assimilated by the body.

Another excellent way to get adequate amounts of phytonutrients (plant-based nutrients) is through food supplements such as wheatgrass powder and moringa powder (1-2 teaspoons every day) which can be found through your nutritionist or from health stores.