Cabbage is a high-fiber vegetable that is also high in calcium, magnesium, and potassium. According to nutritional authorities, it also contain vitamins C, thiamine, niacin, and folate. Additionally, it may be a good source of antioxidants such as flavonoids, zeaxanthin, lutein, choline, and beta-carotene.
According to the USDA, 100 g of raw cabbage has about 25 calories, making it a popular low-calorie choice. Cooking the vegetable somewhat reduces its calorie content. 100 g of cooked veggie has about 23 calories.
Here are some excellent benefits of eating cabbage regularly:
1.It may aid in bone health improvement.
According to Gans, cabbage provides a nutrient that is critical for bone health and normal blood clotting processes in the body. One cup of cooked cabbage contains about 68 micrograms of vitamin K. As a point of reference, the ODS (Office Of Dietary Supplements, United States of America) advises 120 micrograms per day for adult males and 90 micrograms per day for women.
While vitamin K deficiency is uncommon, individuals with specific medical conditions—cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, or ulcerative colitis—may be more susceptible to having lower-than-normal vitamin K levels. Vitamin D deficiency may result in weakened bones, an increased chance of developing osteoporosis, and, in rare cases, bruising and bleeding issues.
2. Weight Loss
Cabbage is often suggested to those who want to reduce weight healthily. Due to the vegetable's high vitamin, mineral, and other nutritional content, including water and fibre, it's an excellent dietary choice for those seeking to eat better and lose weight. Additionally, it may be low in calories, with just 33 calories in a cup of cooked vegetables. Due to these advantageous characteristics, the fad "cabbage soup" diet is often adopted by people seeking to lose weight quickly. However, remember that it may not be nutritionally complete and should be included in a balanced, nutritious diet as a supplement, not as the primary component!
3. Supports Brain Health
Cabbage is an excellent source of iodine , vitamin K, and antioxidants such as anthocyanins. These elements may be helpful as brain-building blocks. However, recent evidence indicates that it may do much more than preserve the brain's and nervous system's structural integrity. According to a 2019 study, cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage may help reduce the amount of harmful tau proteins present in the brains of Alzheimer's sufferers. Additionally, cruciferous vegetables have been recommended for memory enhancement.
Vitamin C and flavonoids like quercetin and apigenin provide the antioxidants in this vegetable. Red cabbage may be especially powerful due to its high anthocyanin content. Antioxidants have been shown in research to decrease inflammation and improve cognitive function.
4.Anti-inflammatory Agent
According to a study published in Clinical Phytoscience, cruciferous foods such as cabbage may have anti-inflammatory effects. They contain sulforaphane, an anti-inflammatory chemical.
Additionally, it may collect cadmium-binding compounds in its leaves, one of which is glutamine. Because glutamine is a potent anti-inflammatory, it may aid in the reduction of inflammation, irritation, allergies, joint discomfort, fever, and a variety of skin diseases.
5.Helps the Digestive Tract
According to a research published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, cabbage's fiber content may help bulk up bowel motions and alleviate constipation. Cabbage is high in fiber and glucosinolates, which may assist the body retain water and keep food bulky as it passes through the intestines.
6.May Enhance Heart Health
According to a research, cabbage is high in polyphenols, which may help prevent the build-up of platelets and therefore decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, by binding the bile acids, it may aid in the reduction of harmful cholesterol levels.
Red cabbages are high in anthocyanins, which give them their distinctive purple color. Numerous studies have shown a connection between a diet high in these substances and a decreased risk of heart disease. Additionally, cabbages are an excellent source of potassium and calcium, all of which are necessary for the heart to operate properly.
7.Prevents cataracts and maintains clear eyesight
Cabbage contains vitamin A, an important ingredient for our eyes, which aids in the maintenance of healthy eyesight.
Cabbage may contain a significant amount of beta-carotene. Many individuals, especially as they age, turn to cabbage for its potential to prevent macular degeneration, improve eye health, and postpone the development of cataracts.
8.It may assist in fighting cancer
Cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage contains glucosinolates, which are sulfur-containing molecules. These glucosinolates are broken down during meal preparation, chewing, and digesting into specific chemicals that have been studied for their anti-cancer properties. Cabbage's anti-cancer properties are attributed to its glucosinolate concentration. These chemicals scavenge free radicals, which are harmful to the body and lead to many types of cancer. Red cabbages are especially high in anti-cancer compounds such as sinigrin, lupeol, and sulforaphane.
9.Controls Blood Pressure
Red cabbage, on the other hand, maybe a rich source of anthocyanins. According to a research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, "a higher consumption of anthocyanins is linked with decreased arterial stiffness and central blood pressure in women." Simply stated, this anthocyanin-rich vegetable may aid in the reduction of blood pressure and the prevention of heart disease.
Potassium may protect you against hypertension, which raises your risk of heart attack and stroke. Potassium is a vasodilator, meaning it may dilate the blood vessels and facilitate the flow of blood, preventing it from being pushed through restricted arteries and veins in a stress-inducing manner. In general, it may be an excellent defense against a variety of hazardous situations!
10.Reduces Muscle Aches
Lactic acid is produced when specific bacteria digest the carbohydrates in cabbage during the sauerkraut-making process. It's not the simplest chemical to include into a diet, but it may help with muscular stiffness and pains. Thus, depending on how it is made, it may assist with general pain reduction and muscular soreness in a modest manner.
11.It is an excellent source of vitamin C
Oranges are not the sole source of vitamin C; cabbage also contains a significant quantity of the substance if you need to supplement your diet. "Cabbage is a good source of antioxidant vitamin C, delivering about 70% of the RDA [recommended dietary allowances]," Keri Gans, a New York-based registered dietitian nutritionist, tells Health.
It is very important to ingest an adequate amount of vitamin C daily, since our bodies do not produce it naturally (we need to get it from the food we eat). According to researches, vitamin C aids in the absorption of iron from plant-based foods, produces collagen to aid in wound healing, and strengthens your immune system that helps secure you from ill-health. "The cabbage family has also been linked to immunological advantages, which means it helps our cells fight off dangerous intruders such as viruses,"
12.Promotes Healing
Cabbage is high in sulfur, a highly beneficial vitamin that aids in the battle against illness. Sulfur insufficiency may result in microbial infections and a significantly decreased rate of recovery. It may help decrease the incidence and severity of ulcers.
13.Reduces Aging Signs
Cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables are rich in vitamin C and E, both of which aid in the formation of collagen, the substance that keeps the skin supple and wrinkle-free. Vitamin A, in conjunction with Vitamin D, preserves the skin and helps maintain a young appearance.
14.Improves the skin's recovery process and complexion
As a poultice, cabbage leaves are utilized. Acne, psoriasis, eczema, ulcers, sores, insect bites, and rashes may all be alleviated by using these leaves. For quicker healing, grated or mixed leaves may be administered directly to the afflicted region along with some dressing.
Cabbage may also be used to treat acne and other skin problems. For optimum effects, put some steamed cabbage leaves compressed in a cotton towel on the afflicted region overnight. Additionally, the high potassium and vitamin A content improves complexion.
15.May Relieve Allergies
Cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables are anti-inflammatory in nature. They include sulforaphane and glutamine, two potent anti-inflammatory compounds. Regular intake may help alleviate inflammatory-related health problems such as allergies, irritation, fever, joint discomfort, and skin diseases.
16.Improves Hair's Health
Cabbage, which is high in many important nutrients, aids in the maintenance of good hair and the prevention of hair loss. It also keeps hair from becoming dry and protects the strands from getting damaged. Vitamin C, which is present in cabbage, is required for the synthesis of the protein keratin, which is mainly responsible for the body's hair and nails.