A common vegetable in many dishes, red cabbage is a rich source of vitamin C. A cup of cabbage has about 25 milligrams of the vitamin, which can boost your immune system and help keep your skin healthy. The vitamin can also reduce your risk for heart disease and cancer. The vegetable is an excellent source of dietary fiber and antioxidants. It also contains folate, which is necessary for a healthy pregnancy and a reduced risk of birth defects.
Cabbage is high in soluble fiber, which helps to ease digestive woes like constipation and diarrhea. The fiber in the vegetable acts as a prebiotic, which benefits the healthy bacteria that make up your digestive tract. The fiber in the veggie also adds bulk to your stool, which can promote regular bowel movements and prevent bloating and gas. However, the soluble fiber in the vegetable can cause gas in some people.
Like other cruciferous vegetables, red cabbage is rich in phytochemicals that can prevent chronic diseases. Studies have found that the plant’s phytochemicals can fight harmful molecules that can damage your cells and increase stress on your body. The phytochemicals in cabbage can also reduce inflammation, lowering your risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other health conditions.
The phenolic compounds in cabbage can help lower your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are risk factors for heart disease. They can also help to decrease your blood pressure by decreasing vascular tension. Red cabbage is a good source of magnesium, which is an essential mineral for cardiovascular health. The plant also has a number of B vitamins that help to regulate blood pressure, heart rhythm and blood sugar.
In addition to reducing your risk of heart disease and cancer, red cabbage can improve your digestive health. Its soluble fiber can help to ease digestion and prevent constipation, while its insoluble fiber can add bulk to your stool and promote regular bowel movements. The vitamin C in cabbage can also reduce your risk of stomach ulcers by balancing the acid in your digestive system.
Research has shown that a diet high in red cabbage can improve your memory. The vegetable is also rich in folic acid, which can promote normal development of the brain and nervous system. The high level of vitamin A and C in cabbage can also improve your eyesight by boosting the production of retinal pigments.
The efficacy of red cabbage was studied in a recent study published in J Pharm Bioallied Sci. Researchers analyzed the sleep-prolonging effect of hydroalcoholic extract (HAE) of red cabbage leaves on mice. HAE exhibited a hypnotic effect, similar to the one of diazepam. However, it did not affect the animals’ ability to move on a rotarod test, unlike diazepam. Furthermore, evaluation of toxicity revealed that HAE did not show any neurotoxic action at hypnotic doses. This result suggests that HAE could be a safe and natural alternative to drugs for the treatment of insomnia.