At some point in our lives we all have been attracted towards the unconventional type of vegetables that we see in the market. Whether it is about the vibrant colours of bell pepper or cherry tomatoes, we are fascinated about them. Similarly we get two variants of cabbage too – the red and the green. Red cabbage belongs to the cruciferae family and a pigment known as anthocyanin is responsible for its colour. The attractive purple coloured cabbage should not be mistaken as a beautiful food item to show off. The red cabbage (or as some people call it – purple cabbage) is packed with ample elements which are known to be beneficial for your body in one way or another. Let’s get familiar with the health benefits of red cabbage.
Red Cabbage Nutritional profile
It contains the following nutrients –
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Manganese
- Phosphorus
- Zinc
- Folate
- Calcium
- Riboflavin
- Thiamin
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
Reduces inflammation
Any purple or red coloured fruits contain huge amounts of anthocyanins in them which cover the majority of antioxidant content. They help in reducing any kind of inflammation in our body which can be responsible for problems like asthma, obesity, heart related issues etc. Antioxidants are known to lower the number of free radicals in our body which can cause cancer and diabetes type of diseases. They also help in combating other symptoms like pain, swelling and discomfort.
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Improves bone health
Red cabbage contains vitamin A, C and K along with trace amounts of calcium, magnesium and zinc. These elements all together are responsible for building a strong structure of bones. Healthier bones go a long way. It will prevent you from problems like osteoporosis.Improves gut health
There are a lot of incidences when we feel bloated and full without even eating much. There is a sense of discomfort which is not letting us work at our full potential. This type of problem arises when we are not consuming enough fibre in our meals. The carbs and all the fat that we eat, make us feel lethargic and uneasy. Consuming red cabbage will surely solve this problem. This little purple wonder consists of a large amount of fibre in it. Out of which around 70% is insoluble fibre which is very good for improving your digestion and smooth movement of undigested food materials. Foods rich in fibre prevent conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), crohn’s diseases, ulcers and acidity or gastritis.Maintains blood pressure
Antioxidants help in maintaining good heart health. Along with your heart it keeps your blood vessels healthy. They help in controlling hypertension by lowering down your blood pressure.Boosts the growth of good bacteria
There are many different species of bacteria present in our gut. Some are useful while others are harmful. The useful ones help our body in digesting the food we eat. Studies have shown that consumption of fermented red cabbage can boost the number of good bacteria present in our stomach and intestines. This in turn will improve our digestion and gut health.Improves eyesight
Vitamin A is a very essential element for keeping your eyes healthy. Red cabbage is a good source of vitamin A along with vitamin E and zinc. All these elements in combination are required to maintain a good vision. They help in keeping the muscles of eyes in their best form.Lowers body fat
Apart from fibre, manganese and magnesium are also present in red cabbage. These elements play a major role in carbohydrate and fat metabolism. They will help in digesting your carbs better. They also help in regulating blood sugar levels. On the plus side, red cabbage is extremely low in calories which will help you in your weight loss regimes.Good for your skin
With a good amount of vitamin E present in red cabbage, it will help in improving the texture of your skin. It will help you in fighting skin problems like acne, dullness and pigmentation. Antioxidants decelerate the ageing process and make your skin look more vibrant and young.Immunity booster
Vitamin C is an essential element which helps your body to build a strong immunity. Along with it iron will increase the production of haemoglobin and RBC in your body. Red cabbage also contains folate which increases formation of new cells. Isn’t it wonderful how many health benefits can be achieved by consuming a cruciferous vegetable like red cabbage. We always struggle to find foods which are healthy and low in calories. Red cabbage is a wonder created by nature which is waiting to be exploited. With so many nutritional benefits, red cabbage is a must for everyone. You can eat it raw in salads with an added crunch of the purple leaves. You can steam it and eat it along with other elements. Stir fried red cabbage along with some spicy seasoning is also preferred by many. There are numerous ways to consume this wonder veggie. I hope that after learning so much about the benefits of eating red cabbage, you won’t restrain yourself from consuming it. Pick up your phone and order locally cultivated, pesticide free red cabbage from us and enjoy the fresh and full of nutrition veggie in the comfort of your home. Eat healthy and stay fit folks!References
Sarkar, D. and Rakshit, A. 2017. Red cabbage as potential functional food in the present perspective. International Journal of Bioresource Science, 4(1): 7.Podsędek, A., Sosnowska, D., Redzynia, M. and Koziołkiewicz, M. 2008. Effect of domestic cooking on the red cabbage hydrophilic antioxidants. International journal of food science & technology, 43(10): 1770-1777.
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