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| Red Cabbage |
Red Cabbage Health Benefits and Nutrition
The health benefits of red cabbage include a prevention of premature aging, reducing the chances of cancer, improve the health of the skin and eyes, helps in weight loss, boosts the immune system, helps to build stronger bones, detoxifies the body, prevents diabetes, improves heart health, slows down the onset of Alzheimer’s, and treats ulcers.
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? 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.
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? 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.
Nutritional Value of Red Cabbage
One of the main reasons why red cabbage is such a popular vegetable addition to meals is the wealth of phyto chemicals, 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, A, E, K, dietary fiber, and the B-complex vitamins. Its organic compounds are almost too many to list, but its antioxidants like anthocyanins and in doles are extremely valuable for human health.
Health Benefits of Red Cabbage
1. Cancer Prevention
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.
2. Weight Loss Aid
Since 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.
3. Premature Aging
There are a number of aspects in red cabbage that makes it ideal for keeping you looking young. Antioxidants do more than protect you from the impact of free radicals in terms of critical disease; they also help to reduce the signs of aging that can occur due to free radicals. Antioxidants keep your skin fresh, tight, and flexible, reducing the wrinkles and age spots that so commonly occur. Furthermore, the high levels of vitamin A in red cabbage is very beneficial for skin health, re-growth of skin cells, protection from sun damage, and the elasticity of the skin.
4. Eye Health
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.
5. 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.
6. Immune System Booster
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.
7. Alzheimer’s disease
One of the most tragic diseases that often strike as we get older is Alzheimer’s disease. People have been trying to find preventative measures or cures 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.
8. 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.
Precautions for Usage:
There are no known dangers; however, if you suffer from hypo-thyroidism, it is recommended that you stay away from red cabbage. Also, for pregnant mothers, babies often develop colic if their mothers have eaten cabbage, so most doctors recommend not consuming red cabbage while pregnant. Other than that, enjoy all the cabbage you want.