The health benefits of red cabbage may include prevention of premature aging and skin and eye care, aiding weight loss, and boosting the immune system boost, among other positive benefits.
What is Red Cabbage?
Red cabbage is a nutritious and delicious vegetable that has become very popular throughout the world for a number of reasons. Also known as purple cabbage or red kraut, it is a member of the Brassicaceae family and can be found throughout Northern Europe, America, and parts of China. [1]
Interestingly enough, it is known to be used as a pH indicator, since it can change color specifically dependent on the pH balance of its surroundings. The color of the cabbage will actually fluctuate depending on the pH balance of the soil it grows in! It also keeps much better than traditional cabbage, meaning that it doesn’t need to be consumed or pickled to last winter. It is most often used in salads, but it can also be cooked and served as a side dish to certain meat dishes. Furthermore, it can be used in sauerkraut, particularly in German cuisine.
You can cook red cabbage in a number of ways, but the most common way is to braise it. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Serving Size : Nutrient Value Water [g] 90.39 Energy 31 Energy [kJ] 130 Protein [g] 1.43 Total lipid (fat) [g] 0.16 Ash [g] 0.64 Carbohydrate, by difference [g] 7.37 Fiber, total dietary [g] 2.1 Sugars, total including NLEA [g] 3.83 Sucrose [g] 0.6 Glucose (dextrose) [g] 1.74 Fructose [g] 1.48 Calcium, Ca [mg] 45 Iron, Fe [mg] 0.8 Magnesium, Mg [mg] 16 Phosphorus, P [mg] 30 Potassium, K [mg] 243 Sodium, Na [mg] 27 Zinc, Zn [mg] 0.22 Copper, Cu [mg] 0.02 Manganese, Mn [mg] 0.24 Selenium, Se [µg] 0.6 Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid [mg] 57 Thiamin [mg] 0.06 Riboflavin [mg] 0.07 Niacin [mg] 0.42 Pantothenic acid [mg] 0.15 Vitamin B-6 [mg] 0.21 Folate, total [µg] 18 Folate, food [µg] 18 Folate, DFE [µg] 18 Choline, total [mg] 17.1 Betaine [mg] 0.1 Vitamin A, RAE [µg] 56 Carotene, beta [µg] 670 Vitamin A, IU [IU] 1116 Lycopene [µg] 20 Lutein + zeaxanthin [µg] 329 Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) [mg] 0.11 Vitamin K (phylloquinone) [µg] 38.2 Fatty acids, total saturated [g] 0.02 12:0 [g] 0 14:0 [g] 0 16:0 [g] 0.02 18:0 [g] 0 Fatty acids, total monounsaturated [g] 0.01 18:1 [g] 0.01 Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated [g] 0.08 18:2 [g] 0.03 18:3 [g] 0.05 20:4 [g] 0 Tryptophan [g] 0.01 Threonine [g] 0.04 Isoleucine [g] 0.03 Leucine [g] 0.05 Lysine [g] 0.05 Methionine [g] 0.01 Cystine [g] 0.01 Phenylalanine [g] 0.04 Tyrosine [g] 0.02 Valine [g] 0.05 Arginine [g] 0.08 Histidine [g] 0.02 Alanine [g] 0.05 Aspartic acid [g] 0.14 Glutamic acid [g] 0.33 Glycine [g] 0.03 Proline [g] 0.05 Serine [g] 0.06 Sources include : USDA [2]
Red Cabbage Nutrition Facts
One of the main reasons why red cabbage is such a popular vegetable is the wealth of phytochemicals, antioxidants, nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. These essential components include B-vitamins calcium, manganese, magnesium, iron, and potassium, as well as vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K, dietary fiber. Its organic compounds are almost too many to list, but its antioxidants like anthocyanins and indoles are extremely valuable for human health. [3]
Health Benefits of Red Cabbage
Health benefits of red cabbage include the following:
Might Aid in Weight Loss
Red cabbage is known to be very low in calories, but potentially high in dietary fiber (and, as mentioned, has a wealth of important vitamins and minerals). Basically, this means that it gives you more bang for your buck, in terms of weight loss, leaving you feeling full and taking care of your nutritional needs. This can be a great addition to your daily diet if you are trying to lose weight, maintain a diet regimen, or simply decrease your intake of calories. [4]
May Have Anti-aging Properties
There are a number of aspects in red cabbage that makes it ideal for keeping you looking young. Antioxidants, for one, do more than just protecting you from the impact of free radicals; they also help reduce the signs of aging that can occur due to free radicals. Antioxidants can help keep your skin fresh, tight, and flexible, reducing wrinkles and age spots. The possibly high levels of vitamin A (discussed later) is very beneficial for skin health, regrowth of skin cells, protection from sun damage, and the elasticity of the skin. [5]
Might Aid in Eye Care
The possibly high levels of vitamin A are not only good for your skin, but also for your eyes. Vitamin A helps keep the eyesight healthy and can prevent macular degeneration and cataract formation. It can also be converted into beta-carotene, which is very important for maintaining eye health as you age. [6]
May Contribute to Healing
Red cabbage may contain a large amount of amino acid glutamine. This specific amino acid is connected with reducing the inflammation and pain associated with ulcers in the gastrointestinal system. Red cabbage juice is thought to be the best remedy for this condition and has been used as a home remedy for a very long time. [7]
Might Boost The Immune System
Red cabbage contains a wealth of vitamins, including vitamin C. Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is an important antioxidant and a massive element of our immune system. It can stimulate the activity of white blood cells, which form the first line of defense for the immune system. Furthermore, vitamin C is important in the formation of collagen, which keeps our bodies and cells connected and solid. [8]
May Increase Bone Mineral Density
The possibly high concentrations of certain essential minerals make red cabbage excellent veggies for healthy bone growth and development. Like other vegetables in the Brassicaceae family, this cabbage is rich in calcium, magnesium, manganese, and other important minerals that may contribute to bone growth and mineral density that protects against osteoporosis, arthritis, and various other types of inflammation. [9]
Word of Caution: If you suffer from hypothyroidism, it is recommended that you use caution when consuming red cabbage.
Other than that, enjoy all the cabbage you want!
