Purple cabbage is available in the market these days. It is a vegetable of the Brassica family like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage.
Cabbage comes in different varieties such as green, savoy, napa, and purple cabbage. However, purple cabbage is considered to be nutritionally superior. Cabbage gets its reddish-purple color due to the presence of flavonoids and antioxidants called anthocyanins. Purple cabbage is not only attractive for its color; it also has many health benefits.
Purple cabbage contains various phytochemical antioxidants. In addition, it contains vitamin B, calcium, manganese, magnesium, iron, vitamin K and fiber. It also contains anthocyanins and indoles; which are beneficial. For this reason, it is said that purple cabbage contains 10 times more vitamins than green cabbage.
Benefits
● It is anti-cancer due to its high content of anthocyanins and indoles. In particular, the indoles it contains can reduce the risk of breast cancer and fatty liver in women.
● Helps in weight loss as it is low in calories and high in fiber.
● Contains a significant amount of an amino acid called glutamine. It works to cure stomach ulcers. Drinking purple cabbage juice is more beneficial in curing stomach ulcers.
● It contains more than 36 anthocyanins, which can reduce the risk of heart attack and problems like high blood pressure. It is also a great food for heart patients.
● It is a good vegetable for healthy bone growth and development due to its vitamin K, vitamin C, and calcium content. In addition, the magnesium and manganese it contains help prevent osteoporosis and arthritis and maintain bone health.
● Its ascorbic acid or vitamin C increases the body’s immunity.
● The anti-cholinesterase and antioxidant properties of purple cabbage can reduce the harmful effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
● This cabbage is rich in vitamin A, which is effective in eye problems. Vitamin A helps protect and grow hair health.
Side effects
● Cabbage is a flatulence or gas-producing food. Eating cabbage can cause gas in the stomach. So eat it in moderation.
● Repeated consumption of fermented purple cabbage can cause diarrhea.
●Symptoms of indigestion include stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, and headaches. Therefore, avoid purple cabbage with other high-carbohydrate foods.