Red cabbage benefits a lot. Red cabbage is a good source of vitamin K and provides small amounts of calcium, magnesium, and zinc, which can help build and maintain healthy bones. Red cabbage is high in fiber, making it easier to digest foods and keeping your digestive system healthy.
Red Cabbage Benefits
Red cabbage strengthens the immune system
Red cabbage is rich in Vitamin C which is a very powerful antioxidant. Vitamin C catalyzes the production of white blood cells which form the first line of defense against harmful microbes. Uncontrolled production of free radicals in our body can impair the immune system. Anti-oxidants like Vitamin C help us fight these radicals before they can do any serious damage. Vitamin C also helps in the formation of collagen which is instrumental in protecting our body tissues.
Red cabbage helps in preventing cancer
Red cabbage is rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins and indoles which have amazing cancer-fighting capabilities. These anti-oxidants act against the disease-causing free radicals which are the harmful by-products of cellular metabolism. The indoles help to prevent breast cancer in women while Vitamin A reduces the chances of lung cancer.
Red cabbage helps you to lose weight
Red cabbage is great to include in your diet as it will improve your calorie intake and also help you to lose weight. This is because this vegetable is low in calories and high in dietary fiber which helps to improve digestion. Dietary fiber adds the necessary bulk to the stool and thus ensures that all unnecessary substances are eliminated. It also makes you feel fuller and prevents you from overeating.
Red cabbage fights against arthritis
Red cabbage has phytonutrients that help to fight arthritis. This vegetable is rich in anthocyanine which helps to prevent inflammation i.e. pain and swelling in the joints which can lead to arthritis. Incorporating red cabbage in your diet will help to naturally treat arthritis and the complications associated with it.
Red cabbage has anti-aging properties
Red cabbage has several anti-oxidants that act against the harmful free radicals in our body and negate the signs of aging that these free radicals may cause occur. The antioxidants present in red cabbage help to remove dark spots, reduces wrinkles and age spots, and help to keep your skin fresh and tight. Consumption of this vegetable helps to regrow skin cells, protects your skin from sun damage, and retains the elasticity of the skin due to the abundance of Vitamin A.
Red cabbage good for your bones
Red cabbage contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, manganese, and other important minerals which are essential for bone growth and maintaining mineral density. The presence of Vitamin K in red cabbage ensures that the risks of osteoporosis in people who consume it are greatly reduced. This is because Vitamin K increases the amount of protein that is required to maintain bone calcium.
Red cabbage takes care of your eyes
When you consume red cabbage, your body receives 33 percent of the daily requirement of Vitamin A. This vitamin is delivered in 3 different forms beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Beta-carotene is converted into retinol, a form of Vitamin A, and this helps eye cells to detect light and convert it into nerve impulses. Vitamin A also helps to prevent macular degeneration and the formation of cataracts.
Red cabbage helps treat ulcers
The presence of a particular amino acid called glutamine in red cabbage is responsible for its beneficial effects in reducing pain and inflammation associated with ulcers. Incorporating red cabbage into your diet is the best way to treat ulcers naturally.
Red cabbage helps to prevent Alzheimer’s disease
Red cabbage can protect the cognitive ability of people and hence helps to prevent or at least delay the onset of chronic diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. Memory loss occurs due to the formation of a certain type of plaque. The anthocyanins in red cabbage help prevent Alzheimer’s by preventing the occurrence of this plaque and thus protect your brain.
100g of Red Cabbage Nutrition
- Energy 31 kcal
- Water 90.4g
- Protein 1.43g
- Fiber 2.1g
- Carbohydrates 7.37g
- Vitamin C 57 mg
- Calcium 45 mg
Side Effects of Red Cabbage
May cause flatulence
Cabbage is a flatogenic (the ability to increase intestinal gases) food. You may feel abdominal fullness, bloating, and movement of gas in the abdomen after consuming cabbage. Hence, eating it in moderation is advised.
May cause diarrhea
Repeated intake of fermented red cabbage (sauerkraut) may cause diarrhea. Some individuals may also experience intolerance reactions.
May cause carbohydrate malabsorption
A cup of chopped red cabbage contains carbohydrates like fructose (1.9 g), which may cause malabsorption. The symptoms of carbohydrate malabsorption include flatulence, abdominal cramps and pain, diarrhea, and headache. These usually occur after eating a product containing incompletely absorbed sugar. Hence, avoid eating red cabbage with other high-carbohydrate foods. These negative effects seem to occur only in people with cabbage allergies or if eaten in excess.
