Cabbage Juice: Uses, Benefits, and Side Effects

Cabbage juice is abundant in various antioxidants, such as anthocyanins and sulforaphane. These help fight inflammation and associated diseases, such as cancer and heart disease.

1. Potential cancer protection: Cabbage juice contains a variety of antioxidants, such as sulfuric compounds and isocyanate, which can guard against the damaging effects of oxidative stress and carcinogens on cells. However, more research is required to support this assertion.
   • Compounds in cabbage (and cruciferous vegetables in general) prevented the growth of bladder, breast, colon, liver, stomach, and lung cancers in rats and mice.
   • The relationship between a cruciferous vegetable diet and breast cancer incidence was explored in a study published in the Current Developments in Nutrition in August 2017.
   • It reported an inverse relation between vegetable consumption and breast cancer risk. The scientists concluded that the rise in consumption of cruciferous vegetables in recent years may impact the likelihood of breast cancer.
2. Improve heart health: Anthocyanins are plenty in red cabbage.
   • Studies have reported a relationship between anthocyanins and a lower risk of heart disease, but longer-term studies are needed.
   • Young and middle-aged women may experience a decreased risk of myocardial infarction if they consume a lot of anthocyanins.
   • Additional trials are needed to shed light on this issue.
   • Anthocyanins may lessen vascular stiffness, which may result in a drop in blood pressure. Red cabbage safeguards the heart by lowering blood levels of bad cholesterol.
3. Fight inflammation: Chronic inflammation is harmful even when acute inflammation may be harmless. Cruciferous vegetables, including cabbage, reduce chronic inflammation.
   • In research, women who consumed the most cruciferous vegetables showed the least inflammation. The study makes a connection between eating certain vegetables and reducing inflammation.
   • Sulforaphane contributes to this and might lessen the rate of joint cartilage deterioration.
   • In a different study, patients with osteoarthritis who wrapped their knees in cabbage leave experienced less knee inflammation.
   • Though more research is required, they might be suggested for those with osteoarthritis of the knee.
   • Phytochemicals in cabbage can fight diseases, such as cancer and coronary artery disease (clogged arteries) that are linked to inflammation.
4. Peptic ulcers:
   • In a December 2014 study published in the Medicinal Chemistry Research, the effects of garlic and cabbage extracts on ulcers in rats were examined.
   • The scientists suggested that both extracts could be utilized to treat acute stomach ulcers.
5. Protects the vision: Cabbage contains lutein, which supports healthy vision. Lutein shields the retina and lens from ultraviolet radiation, working in conjunction with another antioxidant called zeaxanthin. Zeaxanthin can be found in trace amounts in cabbage. Vitamin C, another nutrient that benefits vision, is present in cabbage.
6. Hair growth: Quercetin is an antioxidant and has the potential to treat alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition involving sudden hair loss).
   • According to studies on mice, subcutaneous injections of quercetin may encourage the growth of hair in alopecic lesions that already exist.
   • Further study is required in this area. However, the research is encouraging. It is still unknown how well the quercetin found in cabbage will promote hair development in people.
7. Weight loss: Cabbage is reputed to have very few calories but could be strong in nutritional fiber. It provides you with a greater value for your money in terms of weight loss, fills you up, and meets your nutritional demands.
   • If you are attempting to lose weight, keep up with your diet plan or reduce your calorie intake, this can be a great addition to your regular diet.
8. Antiaging properties:
   • Antioxidants shield you from the effects of free radicals and work to lessen the indications of aging caused by free radicals.
   • Antioxidants can help prevent wrinkles and age spots by keeping your skin smooth, firm, and supple.
   • The high quantities of vitamin A are particularly advantageous for skin health, cell renewal, and ultraviolet protection.

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

A one-cup chopped (89 grams) serving of raw cabbage contains:

Cabbage contains compounds called goitrogens, which can interfere with healthy thyroid function, especially when consumed raw. You might need to stay away from cabbage juice if you have a thyroid issue or are at risk of thyroid cancer. Discuss it with your doctor.

The sulfuric compounds that are the active components of cabbage juice may not work well with the bacteria in the gut, leading to an increase in gas, bloating, and pain. If you have this adverse effect, try a lesser quantity of cabbage juice.

Avoid eating raw cabbage to lower your chance of getting a foodborne illness. Before eating, make sure the cabbage is cooked thoroughly.