Red Cabbage – Nutrition Health and Skincare Benefits

Red cabbage is an edible leafy vegetable from the Brassica oleracea family. Its somewhat earthy sweet flavour is characterized by its intense red, purple or magenta colour of its leaves. Its red colouration is a result of being cultivated in acidic soils, where as a more purple hue means the soil was more neutral.

It is bred from the common variety and is grown all over North America, Europe and Asia, it is cultivated all year round and can be easily purchased at most food markets.

Skin Benefits and Nutrition

Red cabbage can have up to 10 times the antioxidant levels of the green variety and contains several vitamins minerals and proteins that can contribute to healthy skin.

Vitamin C

Collagen Production

Vitamin C plays a major role in collagen production. High levels are found in both the dermis and epidermis in healthy skin. It works with amino acids by adding hydrogen and oxygen so that they may do their part in collagen production.

Antioxidant Value

This water soluble vitamin functions as a powerful antioxidant, it aids in the prevention of free radical damage and it’s one of the most essential elements in maintaining healthy skin. Red cabbage also contains a specific polyphenol which is called anthocyanins, a 1-ounce serving of raw red cabbage provides 65 mg of polyphenols 9 milligrams of which are anthocyanins. Research suggests this property can slow the breakdown of collagen.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K combats one of the causes of wrinkles and fine lines. Calcium is a critical for the development and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. However when excessive amounts build up in skin tissue it can have a negative impact on elastin, causing the hardening of its fibers thereby reducing in your skins elasticity, that could lead to more wrinkles and fine lines. Vitamin K helps prevent these calcium deposits from accumulating.

Additional Health Benefits

Red cabbage belongs to the cruciferous family of vegetables. Veggies in this group are a great source of sulfur-containing compounds called glucosinolates, which are not only responsible for their bitter flavor but are also digested into something called isothiocyanates, a sulphur that contains phytochemicals that helps the body reduce inflammation and fight bacteria. The reddish sometimes purple pigmentation comes from a flavonoid called cyanidin which acts as an antioxidant.

In addition to the terrific properties that maintain healthy skin red cabbage can also contribute to:

• Osteoporosis prevention
• Atherosclerosis prevention
• Inhibited cancer cell growth
• Improved eye health

Preparation and Cooking

There are many tasty red cabbage recipes to choose from including salads, soups, and juices to name but a few. Take a look at various preparation and cooking methods.

Prepare, Store and Select Red Cabbage
How to Cook Red Cabbage

Side Effects

Research suggests that when consumed as a part of a balanced diet cabbage is safe. There is some evidence that that shows nursing infants can develop colic if their mothers eat cabbage. Consumption can also negatively impact the blood sugar levels in people suffering from diabetes. Medical research also suggests it can worsen under-active thyroid gland conditions, and might affect blood glucose levels and blood sugar control during and after surgical procedures.