Red Cabbage Benefits
The health benefits of red cabbage include prevention of premature aging and cancer, improvement in the health of the skin and eyes, aid in weight loss, boost the immune system, increasing bone density, detoxification of the body, prevention of diabetes, improve heart health, slow down the onset of Alzheimer’s, and treatment of ulcers.
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. Not only is it very good for the body, but it also adds flavor and flair to a wide variety of dishes. Red cabbage, also known as purple cabbage or red kraut, is a member of the Brassicaceae family and can be found throughout Northern Europe, America, and parts of China. It isn’t clear what the exact progression of its native location is, but it is an offshoot of the traditional cabbage species.
Interestingly enough, red cabbage is often used as a pH indicator, since it changes color specifically dependent on the pH balance of the material it is in. 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 a 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. The culinary uses of this beautiful vegetable are unlimited, but the real question is, ‘Why do so many people love adding cabbage to their meals?’ Let’s look at some of the nutritional aspects of red cabbage that make it so important.
Red Cabbage Nutrition Facts
One of the main reasons why red cabbage is such a popular vegetable addition to meals is the wealth of phytochemicals, antioxidants, nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Some of these essential components include thiamin, riboflavin, folate, calcium, manganese, magnesium, iron, and potassium, as well as vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K, dietary fiber, and the B vitamins. Its organic compounds are almost too many to list, but its antioxidants like anthocyanins and indoles are extremely valuable for human health.
Health Benefits of Red Cabbage
Health benefits of red cabbage include the following:
Eye Care
The high levels of vitamin A are not only good for your skin, but also for your eyes. Vitamin A helps to keep eyesight healthy and prevents macular degeneration and cataract formation. Vitamin A can also be converted into beta-carotene, which is very important for maintaining eye health as you age.
Protects from Alzheimer’s Disease
One of the most tragic diseases that often strikes as we get older is Alzheimer’s disease. People have been trying to find preventative measures for this disease for many years, and fortunately, red cabbage has been found to be very potent in protecting the cognitive activity of people. The formation of a certain type of plaque is actually what causes a great deal of the memory and cognitive loss in those patients. The anthocyanins in red cabbage specifically reduce the occurrence of this plaque, protecting your brain against this horrible disease.
Treats Ulcers
Red cabbage contains a large amount of a specific amino acid called glutamine. This specific amino acid is very good for reducing the inflammation and pain associated with ulcers in the gastrointestinal system. Red cabbage juice is specifically the best treatment for this condition and has been used as a home remedy for a very long time.
Increases Bone Mineral Density
The high concentrations of certain essential minerals make red cabbage one of the best vegetables to eat to ensure healthy bone growth and development. Like other vegetables in the Brassicaceae family, red cabbage is rich in calcium, magnesium, manganese, and other important minerals that contribute to bone growth and mineral density that protects against osteoporosis, arthritis, and various other types of inflammation.
Helps in Weight Loss
Red cabbage is very low in calories, but high in dietary fiber and has a wealth of important vitamins and minerals. Basically, this means that it gives you more “bang for your buck”, leaving you feeling full and taking care of your nutritional needs, without encouraging you to eat more food or overeat from empty calories. This can be a great addition to your daily diet if you are trying to lose weight, maintain a diet regimen, or simply improve your intake of calories.
Boosts Immune System
Red cabbage is a wealth of vitamins, but none is as important as vitamin C. Ascorbic acid is an important antioxidant and is a massive element of our immune system. It stimulates 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.
Prevents Cancer
One of the most important functions of red cabbage is its role in cancer prevention. The high levels of antioxidant components in red cabbage make it extremely important as a preventative measure. Antioxidants are substances that can neutralize free radicals, which are the harmful byproducts of cellular metabolism. These free radicals are responsible for various serious diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Red cabbage is rich in antioxidants, including anthocyanins and indoles. This is actually where the purple color comes from, as some of these phytochemicals normally show in this hue. The rich coloring is proof of just how powerful these vegetables are for your overall health. The indoles in red cabbage have been connected to reducing breast cancer in women in a number of studies. Vitamin A has also been connected with reducing the chances of lung cancer.
