Looking for a low calorie and nutritious addition to your meals? Look no further than 1 oz of stored common cabbage, which packs just 7 calories per serving.

But don't let the low calorie count fool you - common cabbage is a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. In fact, just one ounce of cabbage contains 12% of your daily recommended value of Vitamin C and 2% of your recommended daily fiber intake.

In this article, we'll explore the benefits of consuming common cabbage, how to properly store it, the different varieties available, its nutritional breakdown, and even some tasty recipes to try.

Calories in 1 Oz Common Cabbage

As stated in the introduction, one ounce of stored common cabbage contains just 7 calories per serving. This makes it a great option for those looking to reduce their calorie intake without sacrificing nutrition. However, keep in mind that the way you prepare the cabbage can impact its overall calorie count. For example, adding high calorie dressing to a cabbage salad negates some of the calorie-saving benefits of the cabbage itself.

Benefits of Consuming Common Cabbage

Eating common cabbage offers a variety of health benefits, including: - Boosting immune system function due to its high Vitamin C content - Supporting healthy digestion thanks to its high fiber content - Reducing inflammation throughout the body due to its anti-inflammatory properties - Supporting overall cardiovascular health by reducing cholesterol levels - Promoting healthy skin and hair due to its high Vitamin A and Vitamin E content

How to Store Common Cabbage Properly

To keep your common cabbage fresh and crisp, it's important to store it properly. Here's how: - Keep the cabbage whole until ready to use, as this helps to prevent moisture loss - Store the cabbage in a resealable bag or container in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator - Try to use the cabbage within 3-4 days of purchase for best results

Different Varieties of Common Cabbage

While the name 'common cabbage' typically refers to green cabbage (the most common variety), there are actually several different types of cabbage that fall under this category. These include: - Red cabbage: a slightly sweeter and more nutritious variety, thanks to its high antioxidant content - Napa cabbage: a variety often used in Asian cuisine, with a milder flavor and tender leaves - Savoy cabbage: a variety with crinkled leaves, perfect for use in vegetable stir-fries or soups

Nutritional Breakdown of Common Cabbage

Here is the full nutritional breakdown for one ounce of stored common cabbage: - calories: 7 - Fat: 0.04g - Carbohydrates: 1.5g - Fiber: 0.5g - Protein: 0.5g - Vitamin C: 12% - Vitamin K: 3% - Vitamin B6: 2% - Folic acid: 1% - Calcium: 1% - Iron: 1%

Side Effects of Excessive Common Cabbage Consumption

While common cabbage is generally considered safe to consume in moderate amounts, excessive consumption can cause some side effects. These may include: - Digestive upset, such as gas or bloating - Hypothyroidism in certain individuals, due to compounds in the cabbage that can interfere with thyroid function - Increased risk of bleeding, due to the Vitamin K content of the cabbage

Best Ways to Prepare and Cook Common Cabbage

Common cabbage is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are a few tasty preparation ideas to try: - Shred the cabbage and add it to salads - Use the cabbage leaves as 'wraps' for healthy burritos, tacos, or even sandwiches - Roast the cabbage with some olive oil, garlic, and other seasonings for a delicious side dish - Add shredded cabbage to soups or stews to boost the nutritional content

Incorporating Common Cabbage into Your Diet

If you're looking to add more common cabbage to your diet, try incorporating it into your meals in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas to get you started: - Use cabbage leaves as a base for your next salad - Add shredded cabbage to your morning smoothie for an extra boost of fiber - Sauté cabbage with garlic and onion for a tasty and nutritious side dish - Add cabbage to soups or stews for a nutritional punch

Comparing Common Cabbage with Other Leafy Greens

So how does common cabbage stack up against other leafy greens? Here's a quick comparison: - Spinach: while spinach has fewer calories per ounce (just 4), it also contains less fiber and Vitamin C than cabbage - Kale: kale is a nutritional powerhouse, but also has a stronger flavor than cabbage and may not be as versatile in certain dishes - Lettuce: lettuce is also low in calories, but lacks the nutritional punch of cabbage

Common Cabbage Recipes for a Healthy Meal

Looking for some inspiration for your next common cabbage meal? Check out these healthy and delicious recipes: - Cabbage stir-fry with garlic and ginger - Cabbage salad with grilled chicken and avocado - Roasted cabbage wedges with balsamic glaze - Cabbage and lentil soup with turmeric