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Health Benefits of Red Cabbage

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.

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 phytochemicals, 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, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K, dietary fiber, and the B vitamins. It’s organic compounds are almost too many to list, but its antioxidants like anthocyanins and indoles are extremely valuable for human health.

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.

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.
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, regrowth of skin cells, protection from sun damage, and the elasticity of the skin.

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.

Information courtesy of OrganicFacts.net