Are you looking for a low calorie vegetable to add to your diet? Look no further than 100 G of cooked green cabbage, which only contains 42 calories. Not only is it low in calories, it's packed with numerous vitamins and minerals that can benefit your health.

A single serving of cooked cabbage contains 85% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and bone health. Additionally, it has 54% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health. Other minerals found in cabbage include potassium, calcium, and iron.

In this article, we'll explore the benefits of green cabbage and how it can improve digestion, lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and much more.

Low Calorie Vegetable

Cooked green cabbage is an excellent choice for those wanting to maintain a healthy weight or lose weight. As previously mentioned, it has a low calorie count, which means you can consume larger quantities without exceeding your daily recommended caloric intake. Moreover, its high fiber content promotes satiety, which makes it an ideal option when trying to reduce snacking habits. According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Health, dietary fiber affects gut microbiota, which can cause a decrease of energy intake by up to 10%. Additionally, fiber helps to regulate bowel movements and decreases the risk of constipation.

Rich Source of Vitamins and Minerals

Green cabbage is an excellent source of vitamins, including Vitamin K and Vitamin C. Vitamin K is necessary for blood clotting and maintaining healthy bones, while Vitamin C is essential for a good immune system and repair of injured tissue. Additionally, cabbage is abundant in minerals such as potassium, calcium, and iron, all of which play a vital role in maintaining good cellular health. Iron is important for optimal energy levels and regulating oxygen transport, while potassium regulates heart rhythm and blood pressure. Calcium, on the other hand, is responsible for maintaining healthy teeth and bones.

Great Addition to Healthy Diet

Green cabbage is an excellent way to add variety to your diet. It is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in various ways, such as steamed, roasted, stir-fried, or even eaten raw. A classic way to prepare cabbage is to make coleslaw by combining it with other vegetables like carrots and cucumbers. By adding cabbage to your meals, you're giving your body the essential nutrition it needs while also expanding your palate. Additionally, incorporating green cabbage into your diet may help to prevent some cancers due to its high content of antioxidants and phytonutrients.

Improves Digestion

Eating cooked green cabbage can improve digestive health due to its high fiber content. Fiber helps to regulate bowel movements and maintain a healthy gut environment. Moreover, cabbage contains sulforaphane, a compound that helps to fight harmful bacteria in the stomach and intestines. Sulforaphane promotes the growth of healthy bacteria like Lactobacillus, which helps to maintain a healthy gut flora.

May Help Lower Cholesterol Levels

According to research, eating green cabbage may help to lower cholesterol levels in the body. A study in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism found that eating cabbage for eight weeks resulted in reduced LDL or "bad" cholesterol levels. Additionally, cabbage contains phytosterols, a compound that can prevent the absorption of dietary cholesterol into the bloodstream.

May Reduce Risk of Chronic Diseases

Eating green cabbage may help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. This is due to its high content of antioxidants and phytonutrients. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals in the body, which can cause DNA damage and lead to cancer or other chronic diseases. Phytonutrients, on the other hand, have anti-inflammatory properties that can protect against heart disease and other inflammatory conditions.

Variety of Preparation Methods

As previously mentioned, green cabbage can be prepared in various ways. It can be sautéed, roasted, steamed, or stir-fried. For those who prefer raw vegetables, cabbage can be an excellent addition to salads. Try making a coleslaw or adding it to a mixed vegetable salad for added nutrition and flavor.

Suitable for Different Diet Plans

Green cabbage is a suitable vegetable for different diet plans, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and keto diets. The low carbohydrate content of cabbage makes it a popular vegetable among those who follow a low-carb or keto diet. Additionally, for those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, cabbage is a great source of protein and fiber.

Affordable and Widely Available

Green cabbage is an affordable and widely available vegetable in most grocery stores. It's easy to find and can be purchased in various quantities, making it perfect for individuals or large families.

Ideal for Weight Loss

Green cabbage is an ideal vegetable for weight loss due to its low calorie count and high fiber content. By incorporating cabbage into your meals, you can feel fuller for longer periods, reduce calorie consumption, and curb snacking habits. Additionally, cabbage is a natural diuretic, which means it can help to reduce water weight and bloating.