The Skinny:
There is a lot more to cabbage than red and green; more than 400 different types of this vegetable are grown worldwide, although only a few varieties ever make it onto tables in the U.S. But those cabbages that hit American plates have all sorts of health benefits that belie the cabbage’s humble reputation. What’s equally intriguing is that cabbage is versatile, inexpensive and tastes great. So, what’s not to like? Pretty much nothing, especially when there are health benefits. Read on.
The Slate:
Calorie Light
Cabbage is a boon for those looking to lose pounds or at least hold their weight in line. It comes in at only 34 calories per cooked cup. But one note on cooking. Don’t overcook or boil it too long. It will lead to cabbage losing a lot of its nutritional value. Stir-frying or eating it raw is a better way to go.
Happy Heart Health
Since it has anthocyanins, cabbage may to be a great way to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and help reduce blood pressure by preventing the hardening of the arteries. Red cabbage can also lower the level of bad cholesterol in the body.
Deflates Inflammation
The powerful antioxidants in cabbage-like sulforaphane and kaempferol can help to reduce the chronic inflammation associated with heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Cabbage Aids Digestion
Cabbage is nothing but gut-friendly. It is an insoluble fiber—a carbohydrate that won’t break down in the intestines—it aids digestive health by fostering regular bowel movements. It is high in soluble fiber. Cabbage has many good gut-beneficial bacteria, such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.
Vision Support
Cabbage holds lutein and zeaxanthin—both critical for maintaining strong eyesight because they fight macular degeneration and cataracts. The vitamin C and vitamin E in cabbage also help vision health.
Better Bones
The approximately 68 micrograms of vitamin K in every cup of cabbage goes a long way toward building better bones for men and women. That amount represents more than half the daily recommended amount of vitamin K for men (120 micrograms) and women (90 micrograms).
Hangover Helper
Cabbage has been a foundation ingredient of hangover cures for thousands of years. The ancient Greeks and Romans would load up on cabbage before going out on a binge. If they still faced a hangover in the morning, they’d boil some cabbage and drink the juice. These tricks work because bulk cabbage’s high fiber content absorbs alcohol acetaldehyde, and its juice helps push out congeners from the body.
Eyes Up:
Are you a cabbage connoisseur? Let us know at info@wellwellusa.com.
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