Nine Health Benefits of Cabbage

Jillian Kubala MS RD writes:

"Despite its impressive nutrient content, cabbage is often overlooked. While it may look a lot like lettuce, it actually belongs to the Brassica genus of vegetables, which includes broccoli, cauliflower and kale. It comes in a variety of shapes and colours, including red, purple, white and green, and its leaves can be either crinkled or smooth. This vegetable has been grown around the world for thousands of years and can be found in a variety of dishes, including sauerkraut, kimchi and coleslaw. Additionally, cabbage is loaded with vitamins and minerals.

This article uncovers 9 surprising health benefits of cabbage, all backed by science:

1. Cabbage Is Packed With Nutrients
Cabbage is a low-calorie vegetable that is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

2. It May Help Keep Inflammation in Check
Cabbage contains powerful antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation.

3. Cabbage Is Packed With Vitamin C
Your body needs vitamin C for many important functions, and it is a potent antioxidant. Red cabbage is particularly high in this nutrient, providing about 85% of the RDI per cup (89 grams).

4. It Helps Improve Digestion
Cabbage contains insoluble fibre, which keeps the digestive system healthy by providing fuel for friendly bacteria and promoting regular bowel movements.

5. May Help Keep Your Heart Healthy

Cabbage contains powerful pigments called anthocyanins, which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.

6. May Lower Blood Pressure

Potassium helps keep blood pressure within a healthy range. Increasing your intake of potassium-rich foods like cabbage may help lower high blood pressure levels.

7. Could Help Lower Cholesterol Levels

Cabbage is a good source of soluble fibre and plant sterols. These substances have been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol.

8. Cabbage Is an Excellent Source of Vitamin K

Vitamin K is critical for blood clotting. Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamin K1, with 85% of the RDI in 1 cup (89 grams).

9. It’s Very Easy to Add to Your Diet

In addition to being super healthy, cabbage is delicious. It can be eaten raw or cooked and added to a wide variety of dishes like salads, soups, stews and slaws. This versatile veggie can even be fermented and made into sauerkraut. In addition to being adaptable to many recipes, cabbage is extremely affordable. No matter how you prepare cabbage, adding this cruciferous vegetable to your plate is a tasty way to benefit your health.

The Bottom Line
Cabbage is an exceptionally healthy food. It has an outstanding nutrient profile and is especially high in vitamins C and K. In addition, eating cabbage may even help lower the risk of certain diseases, improve digestion and combat inflammation. Plus, cabbage makes a tasty and inexpensive addition to a number of recipes. With so many potential health benefits, it is easy to see why cabbage deserves some time in the spotlight and some room on your plate."

The above is only a snippet of Jillian's article to read it in full with all relevant links please see here

Looking for Cabbage Recipes ...

... How about these six suggestions 

Baked Salmon Steaks with garlic, shredded cabbage and Stilton - see here

Chicken Legs braised with slow-cooked red cabbage - see here
Dauphinoise Casserole with Cabbage (or Celeriac) - see here
Braised Savoy cabbage with bacon - see here
Cabbage soup, low carb - see here
Italian cabbage stir fry - see here

You will find a variety of articles and recipes within this blog, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter.

All the best Jan