Cabbage has a poor rep when it comes to vegetables. It’s a veggie that often goes unnoticed, whether it’s because people think it’s tasteless or because they don’t know how to cook it.

However, because of its crisp texture, it’s actually one of the major ingredients in some delicious dishes like coleslaw, kimchi, and eggrolls. It’s also a traditional side dish with corned beef on St. Patrick’s Day. Like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kale, it’s classed as a cruciferous vegetable.

“Cabbage is an amazing vegetable because it’s low in calories and high in polyphenols and antioxidants including vitamin C,” explains Amber Pankonin, MS, RD, registered dietitian and owner of the Stirlist food blog.

“It’s also high in fiber which makes it more filling, and it can take on other flavors making it perfect for stir fry or casseroles.”

It may be time to wake up if you’ve been sleeping on cabbage. Because one significant side effect is that it may help prevent some types of cancer and inflammation, owing to its antioxidant properties.

“Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals in the body that can cause oxidative stress which could cause cancer, heart disease, or macular degeneration,” according to Pankonin. “A diet rich in cruciferous vegetables like cabbage might help reduce the risk of chronic disease.”

When the body is overrun with free radicals, oxidative stress develops, which has been linked to the development of chronic disease in humans. Antioxidants help to prevent oxidative stress, which is why cabbage is such a healthy addition to your diet.

Cabbage, in particular, may be helpful in preventing colon cancer. According to a 2018 study published in the journal Immunity, mice fed cabbage had a favorable immune response in the gut that protected them from inflammation and, as a result, cancer.

Apart from the fact that it may lower your cancer risk and protect you from chronic diseases, Pankonin claims that it is also a cost-effective option.

“As a Culinary Dietitian, I love cabbage because not only is it nutritious, but it’s also super affordable, easy to prepare, and accessible for most people to purchase,” she adds.

Image Credit: Getty

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