Cabbage is an often under rated veggie.  We over cook it, its stinky and it makes us gassy.

BUT, cabbage has some surprising benefits that the mojority of us have overlooked.  Here are 9 surprising things about cabbage that just may have them added to your grocery list

ONE: Nutrient DENSE

Even though cabbage is very low in calories, it has an impressive nutrient profile. In fact, just 1 cup (89 grams) of raw green cabbage contains:

• Calories: 22
• Protein: 1 gram
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Vitamin K: 85% of the RDI
• Vitamin C: 54% of the RDI
• Folate: 10% of the RDI
• Manganese: 7% of the RDI
• Vitamin B6: 6% of the RDI
• Calcium: 4% of the RDI
• Potassium: 4% of the RDI
• Magnesium: 3% of the RDI

RDI = Recommended Daily Intake

B6 and Folate btw, help with digestion and metabolism!  Low cal and increased digestion?  Win/Win!

TWO: Packed with Vitamin C

Since Vitamin C is water soluable, we lose much of what we ingest through our bodies natural processes.

Vitamin C is needed to make collagen, the most abundant protein in the body. Collagen gives structure and flexibility to the skin and is critical for the proper functioning of the bones, muscles and blood vessels.

Additionally, vitamin C helps the body absorb non-heme iron, the type of iron found in plant foods.

What’s more, it’s a powerful antioxidant. In fact, it has been extensively researched for its potential cancer-fighting qualities.

Vitamin C works to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals, which has been associated with many chronic diseases, including cancer. Evidence suggests that a diet high in vitamin-C-rich foods is associated with a lower risk of certain cancers.  

THREE: Digestive Buddy

Cabbage contains insoluble fiber, which keeps the digestive system healthy by providing fuel for friendly bacteria and promoting regular bowel movements.

FOUR: Your Heart Loves It

Cabbage contains powerful pigments called anthocyanins, which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.

FIVE: Helps with Blood Pressure

Potassium helps keep blood pressure within a healthy range. Increasing your intake of potassium-rich foods like cabbage may help lower high blood pressure levels.

SIX: Cholesterole lowering

Cabbage is a good source of soluble fiber and plant sterols. These substances have been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol.

SEVEN: Vitamin K Rich

Vitamin K is critical for blood clotting. Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamin K1, with 85% of the RDI in 1 cup (89 grams).

EIGHT: Easy to hide in meals you love

Cabbage is a versatile veggie that’s easy to incorporate into your diet. You can use it to make many different dishes, including salads, stews, soups, slaws and sauerkraut.

NINE;  INFLAMMATION!

It may sound strange but cabbage can be used to relieve swollen feet, ankles and hands.  They work by drawing out the excess fluid.  Chill dry cabbage leaves in the fridge.  Then wrap them around the affected area like a compress or tensor banagage.  Replace with fresh leaves when they become wet.  Breast feeding moms with mastitis or who wish to dry up their milk supply have long used cabbage to assit by placing a leaf in their bra.