king of vegetables
For centuries, cabbage has been one of humanity’s most widely cultivated vegetable crops. And it’s easy to see why once you explore the amazing range of health benefits and nutritional riches contained within this leafy vegetable. Cabbage is packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that make it a nutritional powerhouse. Here are 10 reasons why cabbage deserves to be crowned “king of vegetables“.
Cabbage contains high levels of many essential nutrients including vitamin K, vitamin C and numerous antioxidants. A single cup of chopped cabbage supplies over 130% of the daily value for vitamin K which is crucial for bone and heart health. It also packs more than 130% of the daily value for vitamin C to boost immunity. The powerful antioxidants in cabbage may help protect against diseases like cancer and heart disease.
Cabbage the king of vegetables is high in fiber to promote digestive health and aid weight loss. A cup of chopped cabbage contains about 3.5 grams of fiber – enough to keep you feeling full and satisfied longer. The fiber also binds to cholesterol in the gut and eliminates it from the body. Cabbage is low in calories but high in volume which makes it an ideal weight loss food.
Cabbage consists mostly of water and contains almost no fat. A cup of chopped cabbage contains only 25 calories but will fill you up due to its high water and fiber content. This makes cabbage a guilt-free addition to soups, salads and casseroles. Cabbage can be enjoyed raw, cooked, fermented and juiced to take advantage of the full spectrum of nutrients and antioxidants.
Cabbage recipes include stir fries, soups like borscht and cabbage rolls. It makes the base for healthy coleslaw and can top burgers instead of lettuce. Fermented cabbage products include sauerkraut and kimchi – probiotic-rich superfoods. Juicing cabbage along with apples produces a nutritious and alkalizing beverage. Different cabbage varieties offer unique flavors, textures and colors to add visual appeal and nutritional variety to dishes.
So don’t underestimate this cheap and abundant vegetable which is actually a nutritional powerhouse. With high levels of vitamins, antioxidants, fiber and volume for few calories, cabbage truly deserves its ‘king of vegetables’ crown. The next time you’re grocery shopping, be sure to grab a few heads of this mighty brassica to include in your meals all week long. Your health will!
