Why Cabbage Should Get More Credit For Being Healthy

How Cabbage Helps Promote a Healthy Lifestyle

Nutrient Content

Vitamins

Excellent Source of:

• Vitamin K – 85%
• Vitamin C – 54%

Good Source of:

• Folate – 10%

Also a Source of:

• Vitamin B6 – 6%
• Thiamin – 4%

Minerals

A Source of:

• Manganese – 7%
• Calcium – 4%
• Potassium- 4%

Other

Also a Source of:

• Fiber – 9%
• Antioxidants- anthocyanin

*Nutritional Info From ( 1 )

How Cabbage Prevents Chronic Disease

Cabbage is a less-hailed vegetable since it is often overshadowed by vegetables such as kale and spinach. That being said, some cabbage benefits are up there for the best in the business.

How Cabbage Prevents Cancer

• Cabbage, especially red cabbage, may be an excellent resource for the prevention of cancer. All types of cabbage contain high levels of vitamin C, kaempferol, and quercetin, which are potent antioxidants. ( 2 ) Antioxidants protect our cells from damage to our DNA that can lead to cancer by neutralizing the threat.
  • When studying the types of cabbage and antioxidant capacity, red cabbage came out significantly higher than other types. Red cabbage also contained another set of antioxidants called anthocyanins that gave it its red color. ( 2 ) This class of antioxidants have shown to have anti-cancer effects in several animal studies, but further research is needed to understand their role in humans.

How Cabbage Prevents Cardiovascular Disease

Cruciferous vegetable consumption, like cabbage, is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. ( 5 )

Chronic inflammation increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. Cabbage has long been used for its anti-inflammatory properties. ( 3 )

• • One of the primary reasons that cabbages are believed to be great for inflammation and protect against heart disease is due to their rich levels of anthocyanins. Research, although early, is promising about anthocyanin’s ability to reduce your risk for heart disease. ( 4 )

Cabbage also can help to lower cholesterol levels through two compounds: soluble fiber and phytosterols. ( 6 , 7 ) Soluble fiber clumps together and picks up bad LDL cholesterol in the intestine before it can be absorbed into the blood. 1.3 grams of phytosterols are recommended to reduce bad cholesterol levels, and cabbage is one of the better sources. ( 8 )

How Cabbage Prevents Diabetes

Cabbage is an excellent resource for the prevention of diabetes. It is low in calories and sugars and offers a source of fiber to help fill you up. By keeping blood sugars regulated, you can lower your risk of developing diabetes.

• Cruciferous vegetable consumption is directly linked to a reduced risk of diabetes. ( 9 )

Animal studies have shown promising results regarding red cabbage and kimchi (i.e., fermented cabbage). Both forms of cabbage have been shown to promote several anti-diabetic effects. However, further research must be done to confirm these initial findings. ( 10 )

Cabbage Promotes a Number of Health Benefits

How Cabbage Promotes Digestion

Cabbage’s high water content and fiber make it a useful resource for maintaining digestive health. ( 11 ) A large portion of the fiber in cabbage is soluble fiber. Soluble fibers are a food source of your gut microbiome, which allows the good bacteria to flourish, which promotes proper digestion and nutrient absorption. ( 12 )

How Cabbage Promotes Skin Health

The high water content also helps with the hydration of your skin. About 20% of your daily water consumption comes from food, and high water concentrations mean better hydration when consuming that food. Cabbage is also an excellent source of vitamin C, which protects your skin from damage from your environment like the sun. ( 13 )

How Cabbage Promotes Immune Health

Vitamin C is not only beneficial for skin health, but also for promoting your immune system. Vitamin C supports many reactions carried out by our immune system. Ultimately, vitamin C helps us fight off foreign pathogens and remain healthy. ( 14 )

How Cabbage Promotes Bone Health

Vitamin K is extremely important for our body’s bone health. Deficiencies in vitamin K lead to increased risk of osteoporosis and fracture. ( 15 ) Just one cup of cabbage contains 85% of your vitamin K intake!