Health Benefits of Red Cabbage

What Is Red Cabbage?

Red cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. Red cabbage is also known as blue kraut, red kraut or purple cabbage and it is consumed widely in the Mediterranean region.

It contains various plant compounds that are of great therapeutic importance. Red cabbage is an amazing source of vitamin A, B, C, isothiocyanates and anthocyanins.

It also contains good amount of soluble as well as insoluble fiber. Dietary fiber present in red cabbage helps to relieve constipation and also helps in lowering high blood glucose and cholesterol levels.

Besides this, red cabbage is loaded with antioxidants that protect the body against free radicals and enhance overall health. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties as per European folk medicine.

Red cabbage gets its beautiful color from anthocyanins, which is a water-soluble pigment. Besides providing a bright color, anthocyanins protect the heart and reduce the risk of heart disease. Red cabbage is widely used in salads, sandwiches, rolls, juices and soups.

Health Benefits Of Red Cabbage

Red cabbage has attracted the attention due to its nutrient composition and therapeutic benefits. Let's throw some light on health benefits of red cabbage:

Anti-Diabetic Agent

High blood glucose levels or hyperglycemia causes oxidative stress in diabetics. This plays a major role in the development and progression of diabetic complications.

Red cabbage contains 'anthocyanin,' which is a potent antioxidant that scavenges free radicals. Such an action of anthocyanins protect the body and reduce the risk of diabetic complications.

Furthermore, red cabbage contains dietary fiber that helps in the management of diabetes. Dietary fiber slows down the release of glucose into the bloodstream and prevents spike in the blood glucose levels.

Helps In Weight Loss

Red cabbage is a perfect weight loss food. Individuals who want to shed some weight should definitely make red cabbage a part of their diet.

Red cabbage is a low energy vegetable, that is 100 grams of red cabbage contains 18 calories. Besides this, it contains approximately 89% moisture.

Red cabbage contains dietary fiber that helps in keeping the stomach full and delays hunger pangs.

Thus, people who want to lose weight should start including red cabbage in their diet.

Anti-Cancer Agent

Flavonoids present in red cabbage kill the cancer-causing cells and prevent their spread to other parts of the body. It further reduces the growth of tumor and protects the body.

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of cancer. Because red cabbage is an excellent source of antioxidant, it fights oxidative stress. Thus, it protects the body against harmful and dangerous effect of free radicals.

Furthermore, red cabbage enhances the effect of chemotherapy (mode of cancer treatment) and thus helps in the overall management of cancer. Research has found that red cabbage plays a protective role against breast cancer, stomach cancer and lung cancer.

Anti-Bacterial Activity

Studies have found that regular intake of cruciferous vegetables such as red cabbage reduces the risk of infectious diseases.

Red cabbage possesses potent anti-bacterial property, which is attributed to the presence of phytochemicals in it. These phytochemicals inhibit the growth and spread of bacteria and prevent the onset of infectious diseases.

Healthy compounds present in red cabbage such as flavonoids, tannins, phenols and alkaloids serve as a defense mechanism against bacteria.

Protects Against Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disorder of the large bowel which is common in the West. Research has found that red cabbage is used in the treatment of gut disorders such as peptic ulcers, gastritis and irritable bowel syndrome.

Red cabbage inhibits the growth of inflammatory compounds and thus reduces inflammation. Reactive oxygen species are harmful substances that play an important role in inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis. Because red cabbage is an important source of antioxidants, it scavenges the reactive oxygen species and protects against ulcerative colitis. Thus, red cabbage acts as a therapeutic agent for ulcerative colitis treatment.

Protects Against Cardiovascular Disease

Flavonoids in red cabbage play an important role in protecting the heart. Free radicals affect the structure and functioning of the heart. Red cabbage is a good source of antioxidants that scavenges the free radicals and protect the heart.

In addition to this, flavonoids inhibit the formation of clot and ensures smooth blood flow all throughout the body.

Red cabbage also helps in lowering hyperglycemia (high blood glucose level), which is an important risk factor for heart disease. Thus, include red cabbage in your daily diet to keep heart diseases at bay.

Recipes Using Red Cabbage

Red Cabbage Soup

Ingredients

• Red cabbage- 1/2
• Onion- 1 medium
• Vegetable stock- 500 ml
• Garlic- 2-3 cloves
• Salt- as per taste
• Pepper powder- 1/2 teaspoon
• Olive oil- 2 tablespoons

Method

• Heat olive oil over medium heat in a saucepan
• Add finely chopped onions and garlic till onions become transparent and garlic becomes golden brown in color
• Add sliced red cabbage to the above mixture and saut� it for 5 minutes
• Add the vegetable stock, salt and pepper powder and bring it to a boil
• With the help of a hand mixer, mix it properly until it is perfectly and evenly combined
• Serve hot

References:

1. Red Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) Ameliorates Diabetic Nephropathy in Rats - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2529380/)
2. Welcome to CAB Direct - (https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/20113030840)

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