The Health Benefits of Red Cabbage: A Nutritional Powerhouse

Red cabbage has quite a few health benefits, as it is rich in a number of nutrients and vitamins. It strengthens the immune system, reduces the risk of cancer [1], prevents aging, and also promotes weight loss.[2]

Eating red cabbage helps to prevent diabetes [3], eliminate toxic substances from your body, strengthen your skeleton, and improve the cardiovascular system, eyes, and skin condition. In addition, red cabbage reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and helps treat stomach ulcers.

About Red Cabbage

Many people think that red cabbage is inferior to white cabbage in taste, but it is much superior in terms of useful properties [4]. The first mentions of red cabbage were found at the end of the 18th century. Its historical homeland is the Mediterranean. Red cabbage is widespread in Turkey, Greece, Tunisia, Algeria, In Russia, the red cabbage has a restricted distribution, mainly due to the gardeners’ conservatism, ignorance of the peculiarities of red cabbage cultivation, and the late maturity of most red cabbage varieties.

The main difference between red and white cabbage is the bluish-purple color of the leaves due to the high content of anthocyanin, the natural coloring agent also found in blueberries, blackberries, eggplants, and other fruits and vegetables. Anthocyanins play an important role in maintaining human health. Besides, red cabbage does not have early-maturing varieties.

Red Cabbage Nutrition Data

Nutritional value per 100g:

The Benefits of Vitamins

• Vitamin C [5], which aids in the immune system’s strength, iron absorption, and capillary strength;
• Vitamin B6 [6] – controls the immune system by providing a response to foreign bodies and is also necessary in the process of activating and arresting the central nervous system. In addition, it is involved in the metabolic process and supports the health of the skin;
• Vitamin K [7] – ensures optimal blood clotting;
• Manganese – actively involved in metabolism, essential in the formation of bone and connective tissue;
• Silicon is the element responsible for stimulating collagen synthesis, essential for the formation and health of hair and nails;
• Potassium is the main element involved in water, electrolyte, and acid balance processes; it optimizes the conduction of nerve impulses and regulates blood pressure.

Health Benefits of Red Cabbage

For women

For women, red cabbage is very useful because, since ancient times, it has been recommended to use its leaves as compresses for benign growths in the breast area. There is also a widespread belief that eating red cabbage contributes to a later onset of menopause [8].

As experts point out, these are not the only beneficial properties of kale for women. This list also includes the use of the vegetable for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, ulcers [9], and burns. If a woman suffers from osteochondrosis, she needs to apply cabbage leaves to the unhealthy vertebrae, pre-lubricated with grated laundry soap. In the case of burns, fresh leaves applied to the sore for the night will help.

For Men

During Pregnancy

Red cabbage also proves to be very beneficial during pregnancy [10]. It can boost the immune system, strengthen the teeth, hair, and skin, so it will help the mother-to-be survive this difficult time for her body without too much loss. In addition, cabbage leaves, as mentioned earlier, are rich in micronutrients. The presence of this vegetable in your diet will allow you to avoid a number of bioactive supplements.

When Breastfeeding

Red cabbage is generally not eaten during breastfeeding as it can provoke an unpleasant reaction in the baby’s immature digestive system. Moreover, an unfamiliar vegetable can provoke allergies, which is also undesirable as it is more difficult to relieve a child than an adult.Cabbage leaves help reduce pain, breast hardness and increase the duration of breastfeeding [11].

For Children

Cabbage is just as good for children as it is for adults, but it should be given with caution at an early age. This is because children’s bodies can hardly digest cabbage, both red and white.

In general, if the child tolerates the vegetable normally, it will not be unnecessary in the diet, as red cabbage is definitely beneficial for the child’s body:

• Makes the immune system stronger and more resilient.
• It helps your baby concentrate better, be more attentive, and generally boost brain function.
• Improves the functioning of muscle tissues.
• Contributes to bone formation.

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What Are the Benefits of Red Cabbage?

1. It increases immunity and helps to strengthen the organism.
2. Red cabbage prevents respiratory system diseases and has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, reducing the risk of vascular and heart disease [12].
3. It strengthens the blood vessel walls; they become more elastic.
4. The use of the vegetable improves the composition of the blood and reduces the cholesterol level.
5. It helps to normalize the blood pressure and is useful for hypertensive patients.
6. Regular consumption of red cabbage has a beneficial effect on the thyroid gland.
7. Improves bowel [13] motility and relieves constipation.
8. Promotes the toxin’s elimination from the organism.
9. The vegetable is a good prophylactic and therapeutic agent for liver and kidney diseases.
10. It is recommended to supplement the menu with red cabbage for diabetes mellitus patients, as red cabbage helps to normalize the blood sugar level.
11. is recommended to people who live in unfavorable environmental conditions as it protects the organism from the effects of radiation.
12. Regular consumption of red cabbage reduces [14] the risk of breast cancer and other types of cancer.
13. Compresses are used in bruises, inflammation of the joints, and soft tissue treatment.
14. Red cabbage is excellent for people who aim to lose weight [15].

Is Red Cabbage Good for Weight Loss

Red cabbage is an indispensable aid when losing weight [16]. This is primarily due, of course, to the vegetable’s low calorie content. In fact, cabbage can be eaten in almost any quantity and does not harm your figure in any way. Moreover, since any diet is always a restriction, the body is deprived of a number of trace elements and dietary fiber during such periods. Red cabbage, due to its rich composition, allows you to survive this time with minimal losses.

Any balanced diet includes salads, stews, and sauerkraut [17]. The use of this product allows you to avoid a number of dietary supplements. The most useful dish made from cabbage is considered to be a salad with the addition of a small amount of sunflower oil. You can also make cole slaw with vinegar, but you should only eat it if you do not have any stomach problems.

Diets Based on Red Cabbage

There are many different methods of losing weight based on this diet. Let’s take a closer look at a few of them.

The five-day diet is quite effective. It allows you to eat cottage cheese, fruits, and vegetables. Also, chicken breast and lean fish are not forbidden. But it’s all supplemented with a mandatory salad and red cabbage. During the day, you will have to eat a salad at least twice. His recipe is very simple:

1. Finely chop half a cabbage.
2. Also, chop the bell peppers.
3. Grate a couple of apples and carrots.
4. Mix everything thoroughly.
5. Add a little salt and vegetable oil (olive oil is better). You can splash everything with lemon juice.
6. A little greenery wouldn’t hurt either.

Approximate Daily Menu:

Also, note that the cabbage in our salad is the base. You can add celery, tomatoes, bell peppers, and other vegetables. We do not limit your imagination in any way. So you can create your own unique recipe. You can dress the salad with either vegetable oil or lemon juice. Mayonnaise and other sauces are strictly forbidden. Also, refuse ketchup. In addition, reduce your sugar intake during the diet. Biscuits should also be kept to a minimum. Water, mineral water, and tea are allowed for drinking. You can drink natural juices, competes, and morses.

Red Cabbage Dishes for Weight Loss

There are many ways to cook cabbage. As a rule, it is eaten raw, boiled, or stewed. In fact, here are some interesting recipes.

Video: Red cabbage for weight loss

Harms and Contraindications

Despite its many health benefits, red cabbage, like any food, has a number of contraindications and can even be harmful to the body. It is not recommended to eat red cabbage in the following cases:

• gastric or duodenal ulcer;
• intolerance to the product;
• Exacerbation of any gastrointestinal diseases;
• any abnormalities in the functioning of the thyroid gland.
• The high levels of magnesium, sulphur, iron and potassium in cabbage can lead to abdominal bloating and flatulence. These ingredients can also cause cramping of the intestinal walls.
• Frequent consumption of red cabbage can lead to a noticeable increase in blood pressure, which is why hypertensive people should be very careful with this product.
• It is strictly forbidden to eat red cabbage, or any cabbage for pancreatitis.

Red Cabbage: Selection and Storage Rules

The basic selection tips are similar to those given for the white cabbage relative, namely:

1. The leaves and fruit are free from dirt, plaque and signs of mechanical damage;
2. Uniform colour of the head over the entire area;
3. Dense and tight fetal structure;
4. The cabbage is fully formed.

Basic Conditions for Proper Storage:

1. The humidity level is 95-100%;
2. The air temperature is between 0 and +1.5 degrees Celsius;
3. Late cabbage has the longest shelf life.

10 Interesting Facts About Red Cabbage

1. Since ancient times, red cabbage juice has been used in folk medicine as a cure for colds and coughs, thanks to its ability to dilute phlegm;
2. In addition, the juice of this vegetable also helps with liver and gallbladder cleaning;
3. The juice is also known to help in the prevention of various types of cancer;
4. Another property is the juice’s ability to normalise blood circulation in the body, which is particularly reflected in the colour and texture of the skin;
5. Using the juice as a mouthwash helps to strengthen tooth enamel;
6. And the most obvious characteristic of this juice is its colour, which makes it a natural and harmless food colouring for the preparation of various dishes.
7. Red cabbage is an extremely healthy dietary staple, containing twice as much fibre and four times as much carotene as white cabbage, but with less calories;
8. The colour of red cabbage depends on the acidity of the soil (pH) and, depending on the pH, the colour of the leaves and the cabbage can vary from red to purple or even greenish-yellow;
9. To ensure that the colour of the vegetable does not change when cooking it, simply add vinegar or lemon juice to the dish;
10. Red cabbage juice can be used in hair and skin care products.

Conclusion

In conclusion, red cabbage is a nutritional powerhouse that can provide numerous health benefits. It is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help to reduce inflammation, boost immunity, improve digestion, and prevent chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

As with any food, it is important to consume red cabbage in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. Consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian can also help to ensure that you are meeting your individual nutrient needs.

Thank you for reading this article on the health benefits of red cabbage. We hope that you found it informative and helpful in making informed decisions about your diet and lifestyle. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to us.

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