Is Red Cabbage More Nutritious Than Green Cabbage? - Tasting Table (2024)

Is Red Cabbage More Nutritious Than Green Cabbage? - Tasting Table (4)

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ByKatherine Beck/

Vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet; and yet, most Americans are still not eating enough. The CDC has found that only 10% of American adults ate the recommended amount of vegetables, which is 2.5 cups for a person following a 2,000 calorie-per-day diet. According to the study, the group that was best at eating the recommended amount of vegetables were those who were 51 years or older, while low-income people ate the fewest.If a person is trying to follow a 2,000 calorie-per-day diet, they should be eating 1.5 cups of dark green vegetables each week and five cups of starchy vegetables each week, as well as some from other vegetable subgroups, according to the CDC.

When it comes to vegetables you consume regularly for great health benefits, cabbage should be on the shortlist. This leafy vegetable contains potassium and vitamin K, and is a good source of fiber, according to Verywell Fit. On Healthline's list of the 13 healthiest leafy vegetables, cabbage (all color varieties) ranks number five.

But of the two kinds of cabbages most commonly eaten — green or red — is one more nutritious?

Red cabbage edges out green

Is Red Cabbage More Nutritious Than Green Cabbage? - Tasting Table (5)

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Red cabbage beats out the green version of the vegetable when it comes to nutritional content. Reducing inflammation and guarding against some cancers are just two of the health benefits believed to be the result of eating red (or purple) cabbage, per Healthline.One cup of chopped, raw red cabbage contains 28 calories, 7 grams of carbs, 2 grams of fiber, 28% of your daily vitamin K,and just over half the daily value of vitamin C. There are alsolesser amounts of vitamins B6 and A, as well as a bit of potassium, thiamin, and riboflavin.

In addition, cabbage contains magnesium and calcium, as well as antioxidants, according to Medical News Today, who adds that, when compared, red cabbage generally has more of these compounds.It's easy to incorporate cabbage into your meal plan because of its versatility. It can be grilled, fried, pickled, roasted, made into soup, added to a salad, and much more.

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Is Red Cabbage More Nutritious Than Green Cabbage? - Tasting Table (2024)

FAQs

Is Red Cabbage More Nutritious Than Green Cabbage? - Tasting Table? ›

While both cabbages are great sources of fiber and vitamin K, red cabbage contains about 10 times more antioxidants, including vitamin C and vitamin E. On top of those anthocyanons. These compounds are powerful in fighting inflammation. and boosting your immune system.

What's healthier, red cabbage or green cabbage? ›

While both green and red cabbage are excellent sources of this potent antioxidant, red cabbage contains significantly more ( 2 , 22 ). One cup (89 g) of chopped red cabbage packs in 56% of the recommended intake for vitamin C, which is the same amount found in a small orange ( 22 , 23 ).

What is the most nutritious way to eat red cabbage? ›

A lot of its frumpy reputation comes from it being over-pickled or boiled for an eon. Although it's a sturdy vegetable it's not invincible… Go raw. Lock in nutrients by eating your cabbage uncooked in salads.

Does red cabbage cook the same as green cabbage? ›

Red and green cabbage can be used interchangeably in most recipes. The difference between cooking green cabbage and red cabbage is just one extra step. The compounds that give red cabbage its color, called anthocyanins, are water-soluble and will turn an unappetizing blue color when cooked.

Is red cabbage good for your liver? ›

They also contribute to the production of an enzyme called glutathione (only the most important antioxidant!!) which is important for many of our liver's detoxification processes. How can it support my health? Your liver isn't the only part of your body that will thank you for including red cabbage in your diet.

What is the healthiest cabbage to eat? ›

However, the purple variety is richer in beneficial plant compounds that have been linked to health benefits, such as stronger bones and a healthier heart. Purple cabbage is also thought to lower inflammation and protect against certain types of cancers.

Is it OK to eat red cabbage every day? ›

Regular consumption of red cabbage can benefit people having high blood pressure. Cabbage has higher levels of potassium, which is known to regulate and maintain blood pressure in the heart. Therefore, having this nutrient-dense vegetable can also prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Should you eat red cabbage raw or cooked? ›

When selecting a red cabbage, the color should be vibrant. You can add this versatile vegetable to soups, stews, salads, and coleslaw. It's delicious raw, steamed, sautéed, or fermented. It retains the most nutrients when it's eaten raw but is still highly nutritious when cooked.

Why do you soak red cabbage? ›

Crisp it up: Shredded cabbage stays perky if it's soaked in cold water. This also helps cut the pungent edge. Drain well before combining with other ingredients.

Is red cabbage good for your gut? ›

Red cabbage is a good source of fibre, including the insoluble variety which promotes regular bowel movements. The fibre in cabbage acts as a prebiotic, which means it's the type of fibre that provides a fuel source for the beneficial bacteria that live in your gut.

What meat goes with red cabbage? ›

Red cabbage can stand up to a whole host of flavours from soy sauce in an Asian salad to heady spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and allspice. Onions, sweet apples and raisins also bring out the best in this earthy vegetable which goes beautifully with meats such as pork, duck, venison, partridge and sausages.

How long to boil red cabbage? ›

The simplest way to cook red cabbage is to boil it - put the cabbage leaves or shredded cabbage in a large pan and cover halfway with water, bring to the boil, and cook for three to five minutes or until tender. It can also be steamed – around five minutes in a steamer should be sufficient for soft, tender leaves.

Can you freeze red cabbage? ›

Red cabbage, once cooked, will keep warm without coming to any harm, and it will also re-heat very successfully. And, yes, it does freeze well so, all in all, it's a real winner of a recipe.

What are the side effects of eating too much red cabbage? ›

Eating cabbage in excess can result in abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea and flatulence.

What is the healthiest way to eat red cabbage? ›

If you want to preserve these nutritional benefits, it's best to steam your cabbage. First, because steaming improves its cholesterol-lowering properties. Steaming also preserves more glucosinolates than microwaving, despite longer cooking time. Purple or red cabbage is a special nutritional powerhouse.

Is red cabbage OK for kidneys? ›

Cabbage is another good vegetable for people with kidney disease. It contains high levels of fiber and plant-based protein. As a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, cabbage is loaded with vitamins and minerals and contains powerful plant compounds.

What is healthier, napa cabbage or green cabbage? ›

Both are excellent sources of important vitamins and minerals. Regular cabbage contains more calcium, zinc and potassium than napa, but napa cabbage contains higher levels of vitamins A, B3, iron and copper. Napa is also lower in sodium than regular cabbage.

Is red cabbage better than broccoli? ›

Broccoli and cabbage are both nutrient-dense foods that are beneficial to a healthy diet. Yet, when it comes down to it broccoli is more nutrient-dense than cabbage. Cabbage and broccoli are both part of the mustard family. Broccoli has more of all of the body's essential minerals and vitamins than cabbage does.

Is red cabbage more nutritious than lettuce? ›

Which should you choose? If you're looking for the healthier option of the two, choose cabbage. Lettuce varieties such as red leaf lettuce and romaine are also good options. Cabbage, including green and red cabbage, is typically higher in vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds than iceberg lettuce.

Does red or green cabbage have more carbs? ›

One cup of chopped green cabbage contains 5 grams of carbohydrates. This gets broken down into 2.2 grams of fiber and 2.8 grams of sugar, which means the total net carbs in a cup of cabbage is just 2.8 grams. Red cabbage clocks in a little higher at 5.1 grams per cup, due to it's higher sugar content.

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