Red Cabbage, also known as Purple Cabbage, is a healthy vegetable that can be found on menus around the globe. Purple Cabbage is a great vegetable for those who are trying to lose weight because it has a higher concentration of nutrients and fewer calories.
Red cabbage is a powerhouse of nutrients, including fibre, vitamins, minerals, and potassium, as well as a wide range of antioxidants that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Anthocyanin, a powerful antioxidant found in purple cabbage, lowers the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Due to its high dietary fibre content and low caloric content, purple cabbage is beneficial to the digestive system. Constipation and indigestion can be avoided by eating cooked cabbage.
In addition, dietary fibre slows down the digestion process, preventing hunger and cravings, which aids in weight loss by reducing hunger pangs.
Potassium is abundant in cabbage and is known to help control and maintain heart-related blood pressure.
Red Cabbage contains more vitamin C than an orange, which is why it is recommended by doctors to ward off illnesses. It is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants. It Improves and strengthens your immune system, aids in the removal of waste products from your body, and boosts your metabolism, all while Vitamin A improves your vision.
Raw cabbage contains vitamins, potassium, and other minerals that strengthen bones and muscles, making it an excellent food for people with osteoporosis or other joint problems.
Like broccoli, cabbage is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family and liver friendly. Foods that are good for the liver are those that have a high concentration of phytonutrients, which are chemical compounds that support the liver in its function of eliminating toxins from the bloodstream.
When compared to green cabbage, red cabbage contains 10 times more vitamins, cancer-fighting flavonoids, and an impressive amount of antioxidants, all of which contribute to improved health for the eyes, teeth, bones, and immune system.
However, consuming a lot of cabbage can result in unpleasant side effects like flatulence, diarrhoea, drug interactions, and hypothyroidism.
If you have an underactive thyroid gland, it is best to avoid cabbage. Cabbage may have an effect on blood glucose levels during and after surgical procedures, which may cause problems with blood sugar control. At the very least, two weeks before your surgery, discontinue using cabbage.
References
Sarkar D, Rakshit A. Red cabbage as potential functional food in the present perspective. International Journal of Bioresource Science. 2017;4(1):7-8.
Zhang N, Jiao S, Jing P. Red cabbage rather than green cabbage increases stress resistance and extends the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans. Antioxidants. 2021 Jun;10(6):930.