Aarti
Despite its unappealing appearance, cabbage is a nutritious vegetable that can help you feel and stay strong and healthy. Cabbage is a nutritious addition to any diet, with benefits ranging from immune system support to better digestion (although with occasionally embarrassing side effects).
You can use the many varieties of this typical leafy green vegetable in your soups, salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. Get the most nutritional value by eating it raw or stir-fried. You may get it in coleslaw for a quick fix or in fermented forms like sauerkraut and kimchi for a healthy stomach.
8 ways cabbage is good for you
Cabbage’s high nutrient and mineral content is well-known. Just 22 calories and all these benefits can be found in one cup of chopped raw green cabbage.
- Provides 54 percent of the DV for vitamin C.
- vitamin K intake at 85 percent of the DV.
- Fiber content greater than or equal to 2 grams.
- The amount of protein is
For example, “Cabbage is also a potassium-rich food, which can help lower high blood pressure,” explains Zumpano. The greater our understanding of cabbage, the greater its potential for improvement.
Studies have shown the health benefits of consuming leafy green vegetables in general, but more research is needed to determine the specific effects of cabbage on the human body. According to Zumpano, many people assume that because cabbage is healthy, it can help with any of the following issues because of its nutritious worth.
1. Fights inflammation
Natural antioxidants called anthocyanins are responsible for some of cabbage’s health advantages. Anthocyanins, a type of pigment found in a variety of fruits and vegetables (most notably blueberries), may have anti-inflammatory effects.
Heart disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and many other medical disorders are linked to chronic inflammation (long-term swelling). Animal studies have found that anthocyanins reduce inflammation.
More studies are needed, however a small human study found that people whose diets included the most cruciferous vegetables also had the lowest levels of inflammation.
2. Keeps you strong
Ascorbic acid, often known as vitamin C, is an essential nutrient. Collagen production and immunity are both improved. It also aids in the digestion of plant-based iron sources.
3. Improves digestion
Cabbage, which is rich in insoluble fiber and phytosterols (plant sterols), can aid with digestive health and the maintenance of regular bowel motions. The healthy bacteria in your intestines, which keep your immune system strong and create nutrients you need, thrive on this food. Having fermented cabbage in the form of kimchi or sauerkraut is a great example of this.
According to Zumpano, “Cabbage can help you stay regular.” Further, “it can also help support safe and healthy weight loss.”
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Because it is not digested or absorbed, fiber increases the volume of a meal and makes you feel full more quickly than when you eat carbs that your body can use.
4. Protects your heart
Cabbage’s anthocyanins are useful for more than just reducing inflammation. According to studies, they improve the health benefits of cabbage even further by lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers have identified 36 different types of anthocyanins in cabbage, suggesting it is a good choice for heart health.
5. Lowers your blood pressure
Potassium, an electrolyte and mineral, aids in the regulation of blood pressure. Up to 6% of the daily value for potassium can be found in just one cup of red cabbage. Your risk of cardiovascular disease may go down if you do this.
6. Lowers cholesterol
When LDL cholesterol, sometimes known as “bad” cholesterol, accumulates in the arteries, it can lead to serious heart problems. Fiber and phytosterols (plant sterols) found in cabbage compete with cholesterol for absorption in the intestines. In the end, they help you feel better by lowering your “bad” cholesterol.
7. Maintains bone health and healthy blood clotting
Vitamin K plays a crucial role in maintaining good health. Bone diseases like osteoporosis would be more likely to manifest without it, and blood clotting would be disrupted. The vitamin K powerhouse that is cabbage steps in. Eighty-five percent of the DV can be met by consuming just one cup.
“Vitamin K helps keep our bones strong and our blood clotting well,” explains Zumpano. “Cabbage can provide the boost you need to maintain healthy levels and keep your body resistant to sickness. You don’t even have to eat a lot of cabbage to reap the benefits, either.
8. Keeps cancer at bay
Phytochemicals in leafy green vegetables like cabbage have shown promise in preliminary animal experiments for protecting against cancer. Plant components like glucosinolates and other antioxidants can be found in them. When digested, the sulfur in these molecules is converted into compounds that may aid in the fight against cancer cells and the subsequent elimination of those cells from the body.
