We are all familiar with the green cabbage. However, not many of us know that there are actually 7 different types of cabbages with the red cabbage being one of the important ones. Red cabbage also called purple cabbage has a bright reddish-purple colour. Unlike the regular cabbage, red cabbage is mainly used in salads and as a side dish. This exotic vegetable was not known much to the Indian market, until recently. Now available in all major superstores and vegetable markets, Red cabbage is fast gaining popularity for its delectable flavour and high nutrition values. Let’s get to know more about this amazing veggie in detail along with understanding the main benefits of eating red Cabbage.
What Is Red Cabbage?
Red Cabbage, as the name suggests has a bright red hue which is caused due to the pH value of the soil, caused due to the high acid content. The dark pigment of this vegetable is packed with flavonoids, which are extremely good for your health. The high amounts of sulphur present in this cabbage render a pungent smell and peppery flavour.
Is Red Cabbage Good For You?
Red Cabbage is extremely good for your health owing to the high amounts of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. It offers numerous benefits to our body right from improving eyesight, prevention of bone-related diseases and shielding the body against infection-causing bacteria. The red colour pigment has many potent agents to prevent many types of cancers.
Red Cabbage Nutrition Facts:
Listed below are some of the key red cabbage nutrition benefits, per 100 grams serving:
- Total Calories: 31
- Total Fat: 0.2 gm
- Sodium: 27 mg
- Potassium: 243 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 7 gm
- Dietary Fiber: 2.1 gm
- Sugars: 3.8 gm
- Protein: 1.4 gm
- Vitamin A: 22 %
- Vitamin C: 95 %
- Vitamin B6: 10 %
- Magnesium: 4 %
- Calcium: 4 %
Read: Fat Burning Cabbage Soup
Amazing Red Cabbage Benefits For Skin, Hair & Health:
Here we enlisted 14 best red cabbage health benefits. Let’s have a look into them
1. Helps In Immunity:
One of the important nutrients that are required in keeping the immune system strong is Vitamin E. It does so by producing antibodies that help in fighting off the diseases and infections. Apart from that, the nutrient helps in DNA repair as well as metabolism. This nutrient is present in rich amounts in red cabbage.
2. Red Cabbage Benefits For Eyes:
The levels of vitamin A in red cabbage is perfect as needed for maintaining proper eyesight and keeping a healthy vision. It also helps in preventing macular degeneration as well as cataracts.
3. Soft And Nourished Skin:
Vitamin A again, in red cabbage helps in making the skin soft, supple and nourishes it from deep within. It is a natural moisturizer that also provides good health and beauty to the skin that you always desired.
4. Flushes Free Radicals:
The vitamin C in red cabbage is popularly also a powerful antioxidant that prevents as well as destroys all kinds of free radicals in the body that causes cell damage and leads to both ageing of the skin as well as cancer in extreme cases. This is one benefit you would want for the well being of the body.
5. Prevention Of Osteoporosis:
Well again, red cabbage is one of the best sources for calcium to the body. This helps in strengthening of the bones and thus prevents issues of osteoporosis that comes along with age especially in women. Taking red cabbage regularly will strengthen the bones as well as the teeth.
6. Treatment Of Ulcers:
Glutamine is one amino acid that is present in red cabbage and is highly responsible for the treatment of different types of ulcers especially peptic ulcers. The juice of the red cabbage is the ideal thing to consume here. This is one of the best benefits of raw red cabbage.
7. Good Performance Of The Brain:
Red Cabbage uses for the brain are plenty! Eating red cabbage will enhance the functions of the brain as well as the nervous system. It is solely because of the levels of iodine that red cabbage has. This helps in the right functioning of the endocrine glands as well.
8. Maintains Blood Pressure:
The potassium in red cabbage is responsible for regulating the blood pressure and bringing it to a controlled level. One needs to include a small portion of raw red cabbage in the salads or in the dishes that are being cooked to reap this benefit for the body.
9. Treats Pain In The Muscles:
Lactic acid is present in red cabbage. This is one of the chemicals that can help in the treatment of muscle stiffness and therefore cures the pain. The lactic acid, however, releases once you cook the red cabbage. This treatment of muscle pain is possible only when you eat cooked red cabbage in the meals.
10. Protection From Alzheimer’s:
Red Cabbage has shown positive results in improving the cognitive abilities of individuals. Regular consumption of this vegetable can help in preventing or delaying the risk of Alzheimer’s, especially those who have a family history of this disease. Red cabbage is loaded with anthocyanins, which can treat memory loss and stimulate brain functions.
Read: Health Benefits of Cabbage Juice
11. Red Cabbage Benefits For Weight Loss:
Red Cabbage is one of the low-calorie vegetables which can effectively aid in losing weight. The high amounts of dietary fibre can improve your digestion and promote the smooth passing of stools. Your body will be free of toxins and unwanted debris with the help of red cabbage. Also, eating red cabbage salad can satiate your hunger levels.
12. Prevents Cancer:
Red Cabbage is loaded with many anti-oxidants like indoles and anthocyanins, which are quite powerful in fighting the cancer cells. The high amounts of Vitamin A present in red cabbage are proven to be effective in reducing the risks of many cancers including breast and lung. These agents also offer protection against oxidative stress on the cells, which can lead to cancer.
13. Promotes A Healthy Heart:
Red cabbage has high amounts of anthocyanins, which are responsible for the bright colour of the vegetable. Taking 10 mg of red cabbage per day regularly can lower the risk of heart diseases by almost 5 %. Red Cabbage also lowers cholesterol levels in the body and prevents blocks in the heart.
14. Improves Digestion:
Red Cabbage has high amounts of dietary fibre, which can add bulk to your stools and push them out of the colon smoothly. The many compounds present in this veggie can breakdown your food easily and help them get absorbed by the body quickly. Taking red cabbage in the form of salads is the best way to treat many digestive disorders.
Red Cabbage Side Effects:
Although red cabbage is quite healthy and safe for consumption, overeating can lead to certain health complications. Also, the effects of eating red cabbage during pregnancy are not yet proved and are better avoided. Here are some of the common symptoms:
- Nausea
- Loss Of Appetite
- Flatulence
- Bloating
- Indigestion
- Hypothyroidism
- Interference with blood thinners
- Development of Colic in infants when a lactating mother consumes it
Read: Health Benefits of Cabbage
Red cabbage is often considered to be a continental vegetable and is largely ignored by the Indian audience. However, it can be perfectly used in your stir-fries, curries and even Poriyals in the same way as your green cabbage. Along with a delectable dish, you can also reap the wonderful benefits of this vegetable. Eating red cabbage at least twice a day can get you rid of many ailments and enjoy a bright and beautiful life!
