Most of us have seen a cabbage having the purple colour in shops, but seldom buy it. In fact, few people know that purple cabbage is more nutritious than its green cousin. Among the benefits of this pretty variety are keeping the eyes healthy and even preventing cancer. Purple cabbage, belonging to Brassicaceae family, also tastes much different from the green one.
One cup of purple cabbage weighing 89 g has only 28 calories, while it contains 7 g carbohydrates, 2 g fibres, 1 g protein, Vitamin C, K and A, manganese, Vitamin B6, folate, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Potassium, Calcium, Iron and Magnesium. Purple cabbage has 10 times the amount of Vitamin A in green cabbage.
Eating raw purple cabbage is more beneficial than the cooked vegetable. A good way to include it in the diet is making it a part of the salad. When preparing dishes like ‘thoran’, ‘mezhukkupiratty’ etc. with purple cabbage, water should not be added. This is to prevent loss of the Vitamins and minerals in the vegetable.
Here is a list of the health benefits of purple cabbage:
» For healthy eyes
Vitamin A in purple cabbage makes the eyes healthy and improves vision. It also reduces the risk of macular degeneration and cataract. The nutrients in the vegetable keep the eyes healthy even during old age.
» To shed weight
Rich in fibres, Vitamins and minerals while low in calories, purple cabbage can aid in shedding weight if consumed daily. It also has a small amount of protein.
» To be young
The compounds in purple cabbage will keep you young. The anti-oxidants prevent damage to free radicals, keeping the skin fresh. The Vitamin A in the vegetable is also good for the skin. Moreover, the sulfur keratin in purple cabbage is essential for growth. Presence of Keratin leads to healthy hair, nails and skin.
» Checks ulcers
Glutamine, an amino acid in purple cabbage, is ideal for reducing the inflammation caused by ulcers in the abdomen. Ulcers can be prevented by drinking purple cabbage juice.
» Boosts immunity
The abundant Vitamin C improves the action of white blood corpuscles, boosting immunity.
» Prevents Alzheimer’s disease
The anthocyanin in the vegetable prevents the formation of the plaque that causes Alzheimer’s disease. It thus protects the brain. Anthocyanin and Vitamin K facilitate better functioning of the brain and check the degeneration of nerves. This acts as a check on Alzheimer’s.
» For healthy bones
Rich in minerals, the vegetable can make the bones healthy if it is included in the diet regularly. Magnesium, calcium, manganese and other minerals boost growth of bones and prevent rheumatism, osteoporosis and other diseases. They also increase the mineral density of bones.
» Combats cancer
The large amount of anti-oxidants in purple cabbage like indole and anthocyanin helps prevent cancer. Indole reduces the chances of breast cancer while Vitamin A can check lung cancer.
» Accentuates metabolism
The Vitamin B Complex in the item is essential for metabolic enzymes and the metabolism taking place in cells.
» Purifies blood
The sulfur present in purple cabbage aids in detoxifying the body by purifying blood. It also supports the liver in detoxification.
» Checks hypertension
The potassium-rich vegetable improves circulation and also absorbs the excess sodium, controlling hypertension.
