Why is cabbage healthy

A recent report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition associated the intake of flavonoid-rich foods with a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease and stated that even small amounts of flavonoid-rich foods might be beneficial. The high polyphenol content in cabbage might also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by preventing platelet buildup and reducing blood pressure. A popular way to consume cabbage is in a fermented form such as sauerkraut and kimchi. Chocked full of probiotics, fermented foods might be one of the best things you can consume for your immune and digestive systems.

Healthy microbes generate an acidic environment to preserve and develop flavor; the enzymes produced in fermentation make vitamins and minerals easier to absorb. The fiber and water content in cabbage also help to prevent constipation and maintain a healthy digestive tract. Eating adequate fiber promotes regularity, which is crucial for the excretion of toxins through the bile and stool.

Recent studies have shown that dietary fiber may even play a role in regulating the immune system and inflammation , consequently decreasing the risk of inflammation-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and obesity.

Eating a half-cup of cooked cabbage would provide percent of daily vitamin C needs. It also provides:. Plus, lesser amounts of vitamin B-6, calcium , potassium , and thiamin.

Cabbage contains the antioxidants choline, beta-carotene , lutein, and zeaxanthin as well as the flavonoids kaempferol, quercetin, and apigenin. Choose a cabbage that is heavy for its size.

Make sure the leaves are tight and firm as loose leaves indicate an older cabbage. Store cabbage in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The sulfurous odor often associated with cabbage only develops when the cabbage is overcooked. The longer a cabbage is cooked, the stronger the odor becomes. Easy white bean and cabbage soup Tequila spiked fish tacos with peach jalapeno slaw Kimchi pancakes.

Pineapple chunks. The pineapple gives it a completely different taste and there is NO odor while it is cooking. Right tasty. You forgot a southern favourite, fried cabbage with onions and crumbled bacon is fabulous Chopped cabbage in tossed salads is great and also in soups.

Thank you for this article: many of my own less-than-the-best experiences in preparing cabbage where gently and kindly corrected. I have a head of cabbage in the frig now and will try out one of these suggestions. Great advice positively given. I grew up farming and when I saw the Cabbage post I had to read it. I am making cabbage pot pie tonight for dinner. Skip to main content. You are here Living Naturally.

By Margaret Boyles. March 2, About This Blog. Related Articles Healthy Foods Cabbages. What do you want to read next? Food Trends of Common Cooking Mistakes. Eat the Rainbow of Fruit and Roasting Vegetables: Fall Is the Cucumbers: Health Benefits. Reduces the Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke: Researchers have identified nearly twenty different flavonoids and fifteen different phenols in cabbage, all which demonstrate antioxidant activity.

These antioxidant nutrients play a role in decreasing your risk of several cardiovascular diseases. Cabbage also contains the beneficial minerals calcium and potassium, which help regulate blood pressure. Heals Ulcers: Cabbage has been historically known to heal ulcers due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Studies have found that drinking cabbage juice is very effective in preventing ulcers. Clears Skin: Antioxidants play a major role in the health of your skin. Free radicals are an underlying cause of wrinkles, skin discoloration, and other conditions. Cabbage contains a wealth of different antioxidants that can turn around the aging process of your skin.

Next time you feel sluggish, swap out that cup of afternoon sugary coffee for a serving of cabbage—coleslaw might make the perfect snack! Try this Texas Coleslaw recipe! Hangover Cure: Cabbage has been used for relief from hangovers since Roman times.

It is thought to clear the body of congeners, by-products of the fermentation process. In addition, the high fiber content of cabbage helps to absorb the alcohol acetaldehyde. The next time you wake up after having had a few too many, do as the Ancient Greeks did and boil up some cabbage and save the juice for drinking. Eases Headaches: Try relieving a headache or migraine by making a compress out of cabbage leaves. Crush a few of the inner leaves to make a paste, then place the paste in a cloth, and apply to your forehead until dry.

Or try drinking raw cabbage juice oz to bring some relief. Cabbage is the second most economical cooked vegetable in terms of price per edible cup second only to potatoes. This relatively low economic cost makes this cruciferous vegetable a nutritional bargain. Natalie LaVolpe is a freelance writer and former special education teacher. She is dedicated to healthy living through body and mind.

She currently resides on Long Island, New York, with her husband, children, and dog. They were made like a hoagie or a sub sandwich called different things in different places, I guess and instead of using cheap head lettuce on them, they used raw cabbage and were busy ALLLL the time. I have no idea why they closed, but I think the family decided to move back east for family reasons or something. But my family sure does miss them — and their sandwiches!

Anyone else ever heard of them or eaten a sandwich this way? What did you think? Additionally, cabbage is loaded with vitamins and minerals. This article uncovers 9 surprising health benefits of cabbage, all backed by science. Cabbage Is Packed With Nutrients. Share on Pinterest. Summary: Cabbage contains powerful antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation. Summary: Your body needs vitamin C for many important functions, and it is a potent antioxidant.

It Helps Improve Digestion. If you want to improve your digestive health, fiber-rich cabbage is the way to go. Eating more cabbage is an excellent way to keep your digestive system healthy and happy. Summary: Cabbage contains insoluble fiber, which keeps the digestive system healthy by providing fuel for friendly bacteria and promoting regular bowel movements. Anthocyanins are plant pigments that belong to the flavonoid family.

Summary: Cabbage contains powerful pigments called anthocyanins, which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. May Lower Blood Pressure. Summary: 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. Could Help Lower Cholesterol Levels. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in every cell in your body.

Plant Sterols Cabbage contains substances called phytosterols. Summary: Cabbage is a good source of soluble fiber and plant sterols. These substances have been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol. Vitamin K1 phylloquinone : Found primarily in plant sources.

Vitamin K2 menaquinone : Found in animal sources and some fermented foods. It is also produced by bacteria in the large intestine. Vitamin K1 is a key nutrient that plays many important roles in the body. Summary: Vitamin K is critical for blood clotting. In addition to being super healthy, cabbage is delicious. In addition to being adaptable to many recipes, cabbage is extremely affordable. You can use it to make many different dishes, including salads, stews, soups, slaws and sauerkraut.

The Bottom Line.