Red cabbage health benefits

Cabbage, in general, helps lower cholesterol, and because it’s part of the cruciferous family of vegetables, cabbage may help lower the risk of many types of cancer. But did you know thatred cabbage contains almost twice the vitamin C as green cabbage? Here are some other red-cabbage facts you maybe didn’t know.

• The rich red color of red cabbage is due to its concentration of anthocyanin polyphenols. These flavonoids are said to act as an anti-inflammatory, and play a therapeutic roles in a number of human diseases. Keep in mind that both anthrocyanin and vitamin C are water-soluble, so try to just use a small amount of water with your cabbage, and the less cooking time, the better.
• In addition to being packed with vitamin C and anthocyanins, red cabbage is packed with fiber, vitamin K, vitamin B6, potassium and manganese, and also contains thiamine, riboflavin, folate, calcium, iron, and magnesium.
• It’s the glucosinolates in cabbage that get the award for their “anticancer” benefits. Red cabbage is one of the best natural source of glucosinolates. In cabbage, glucosinolates get converted to isothiocyanate compounds that, according to research, are said to aid in the prevention of cancers like bladder, breast, colon, and prostate.
• Red cabbage can be sautéed and enjoyed on its own; it can be used for salads like this cabbage salad with apples and caraway seeds; or, you can get fancy and use it in this provençal kale and cabbage gratin dish.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Vitamin C :-

The best-known sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits, so it may be a surprise to learn that 1 cup of chopped red cabbage has 56 percent of the recommended daily intake of this important vitamin. As an antioxidant, vitamin C fights inflammation and protects cells from damage that leads to chronic health conditions, such as heart disease. Your body needs vitamin C to make collagen, which is the connective tissue that gives structure, strength and support to muscles, skin, bones and other tissues throughout the body.

Vitamin K :-

It takes a series of chemical reactions to make blood clot. Seven proteins that participate in blood clotting depend on the presence of vitamin K to complete their part of process. Other vitamin-K-dependent proteins regulate bone mineralization. Long-term deficiency in vitamin K increases the risk of developing osteoporosis, atherosclerosis and cancer, according to research published in the April 2012 issue of “Food and Nutrition Research.” You’ll gain 28 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin K from 1 cup of chopped red cabbage.