8 Impressive Benefits of Purple Cabbage

Medically Reviewed on 8/18/2022
8 Benefits of Purple Cabbage
Purple cabbage has fewer calories and is high in nutritional fiber.

Red or purple cabbage is a nutrient-dense vegetable that is popularly consumed all over the world. It belongs to the mustard family (Brassicaceae), which includes:

  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Cabbage
  • Kale

Purple cabbage is the perfect food for people trying to lose weight because it has relatively more nutrients and fewer calories than many other vegetables.

  • This vegetable is a powerhouse of fiber, high-quality carbs, potassium, lots of vitamins, and other necessary nutrients.
  • The darker color of the cabbage indicates a higher concentration of antioxidants, which are proven to reduce oxidative stress.
  • A higher concentration of anthocyanin, an antioxidant that is present in purple cabbage, reduces the chance of developing cancer and heart disease.
  • Besides these, eating purple cabbage provides a plethora of health advantages.

What are the nutrients present in purple cabbage?

The abundance of phytochemicals, antioxidants, nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in purple cabbage is one of the primary factors contributing to its popularity as a vegetable. The B vitamins calcium, manganese, magnesium, iron, potassium, dietary fiber, and vitamins C, A, E, and K are among these crucial nutrients. Its antioxidants, anthocyanins, and indoles, are very important for human health.

A one-cup (90 grams) serving of raw red cabbage contains:

Table. The nutritional content of raw red cabbage (one cup; 90 grams)
Nutrient Amount
Calories 27.9
Protein 1.29 grams
Fat 0.144 gram
Carbohydrates 6.63 grams
Fiber 1.89 grams
Sugar 3.45 grams
Vitamin K 34.4 mcg
Vitamin C 51.3 mg
Folate 16.2 mcg
Calcium 40.5 mg
Magnesium 14.4 mg
Potassium 219 mg

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8 benefits of purple cabbage

  1. May have anticancer potential:
    • Red cabbage could be a crucial cancer-preventative strategy due to its high quantities of antioxidants, such as anthocyanins and indoles.
    • The purple color originates because some of these phytochemicals naturally exhibit this shade.
    • The National Cancer Institute claims that indoles included in red cabbage may help prevent breast cancer in women.
    • Although more study is required, these preliminary results are encouraging.
  2. Weight loss: Purple cabbage has fewer calories and is high in nutritional fiber. It fills you up and meets your nutritional demands.
  3. Antiaging properties: 
    • Antioxidants shield you from the effects of free radicals; they lessen the indications of aging caused by free radicals.
    • Antioxidants can help prevent wrinkles and age spots by keeping your skin smooth, firm, and flexible.
    • The possible high quantities of vitamin A are particularly advantageous for skin health, cell renewal, ultraviolet protection, and skin suppleness.
  4. May help in healing: Purple cabbage contains a significant amount of glutamine. This amino acid can ease the discomfort and swelling brought on by stomach ulcers. For a very long time, people have used purple cabbage juice as a home remedy for stomach ulcers.
  5. Aids in eye care: The high quantities of vitamin A benefit your eyes and skin. Vitamin A supports healthy vision and can halt the development of cataracts and macular degeneration. Additionally, it can be transformed into beta-carotene, which is crucial for preserving eye health as you age.
  6. Boost the immune system:
    • Ascorbic acid or vitamin C in red cabbage is a vital antioxidant and component of the immune system.
    • White blood cells, the body's first line of defense, can be stimulated to increase their activity by vitamin C.
    • Moreover, vitamin C is necessary for the synthesis of collagen, which maintains the body and cells stable and connected.
  7. Boost bone mineral density: Purple cabbage is a good vegetable for healthy bone growth and development due to its high concentration of certain necessary nutrients, such as vitamins K and C and calcium. This cabbage is a rich source of calcium, magnesium, manganese, and other crucial elements that may support bone development and mineral density that guards against osteoporosis, arthritis, and several other types of bone conditions.
  8. May defend against Alzheimer’s disease: According to a 2018 study published in the European Journal of Medicinal Plants, red cabbage seems to have anticholinesterase and antioxidant capabilities. This might reduce the damaging effects of Alzheimer's disease or assist to prevent it. Although further research is required to fully understand the benefits of red cabbage, these preliminary findings are encouraging.
Medically Reviewed on 8/18/2022
References
Image Source: iStock image

Health Benefits of Red Cabbage. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-red-cabbage

Cabbage, red, raw. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/1103343/nutrients

Is Cabbage Good for Your Health? And How Can You Make Cabbage Taste Good? https://foodrevolution.org/blog/cabbage-benefits/

Antioxidant phytochemicals in cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2006.01.017

Cruciferous Vegetables and Cancer Prevention. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/cruciferous-vegetables-fact-sheet