Cabbage is a universal vegetable packed with important nutrients and disease-fighting elements. It grows easily and is edible both raw and cooked.
Different varieties of cabbage are available in the market which sometimes lead to people’s confusion. There is the green variety and there’s the red one. Which variety is better? Many would ask.
You might wonder if there’s really a big difference between varieties of cabbages. Does one have more benefits or nutrients than the other?
You can never go wrong with cabbages. Although there is some slight difference between the red and green cabbage, both are great for your health. They are low in calories and high in fiber.
Size And Taste
Aside from the noticeable difference in color, red cabbage has an earthier taste and bulbs are smaller and denser. Green cabbage tends to turn sweeter when it cooks and a little bigger in size than the red. The leaves of the green are wide fan-like while of red are small fan-like. They both have crunchy texture.
Nutrition Data
Vitamin A
In general, fruits and vegetables with vibrant colors signify rich in antioxidants than those which grow paler in color. So these foods should be cooked lightly or minimally so heat will not break the super antioxidants.
Red cabbage contains 10 times higher of Vitamin A than the green ones. A cup of red cabbage provides 33 percent of daily Vitamin A intake compared to only 3 percent of the same serving of the green variety. Vitamin A is important for your eyes, skin and immune system.
Vitamin K
This nutrient is important for your bone health. It strengthens your bones and helps prevent the early onset of osteoporosis. Vitamin K plays a major role in blood-clotting.
Like most leafy greens, green cabbage contains glorious amount of Vitamin K than the red. One cup serving of green provides 57 percent of the daily intake than the 28 percent of red cabbage per cup serving.
Vitamin C
Both green and red cabbages are excellent sources of Vitamin C, but you will receive extra 37 percent with red cabbage. Vitamin C combats free radicals, needed for the production of collagen to help heal wounds, and keep bones and teeth healthy.
Anthocyanins
These antioxidants give the purplish-red variety of cabbage. They are known to fight cancer and improve memory. They help release body hormones that metabolize fat and suppress appetite, thus supports healthy weight loss.
Storage
Red and green cabbages can be kept in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks and 5-6 days if chopped.
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FAQs
But red cabbage has higher levels of some types of antioxidants than other types of cabbage. These nutrients are thought to help reduce the risk of health conditions such as cancer, osteoporosis, and heart disease. Red cabbage is particularly rich in anthocyanins, which are a type of flavonoid.
Which is healthier, red 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 healthiest cabbage to eat? ›
It tastes similar to green cabbage. 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.
What is red cabbage best for? ›
Nearly anything green cabbage can do, red (or purple) cabbage can do brighter and better. It's a little more peppery and heartier than its green counterparts, making it perfect in crunchy slaws or cooking techniques like braising and even roasting.
Does red cabbage taste different than green cabbage? ›
While similar in flavor to its green counterpart, red cabbage tends to have a more pronounced earthy taste, complemented by a subtle underlying sweetness. This vibrant vegetable easily elevates coleslaws and salads with its bold color and distinctive crunch.
Is it OK to eat red cabbage every day? ›
To get the most benefit, try to consume ½ to ¾ cup cooked or 1 ½ cup raw cabbage per day at least 5 days per week. This is pretty easy to do since there are so many ways to prepare cabbage. Traditional methods of steaming or boiling cabbage can extract flavor and nutrients.
Is red cabbage healthier, 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.
Is red cabbage healthier 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.
Is cabbage an anti-inflammatory? ›
Crushed cabbage leaves are one of the most widely used anti-inflammatory remedies in Polish folk medicine. Cabbage, due to its specific properties, has been used in natural medicine mainly for rheumatic pain, vein and lymphatic vessel inflammation, bruises, sprains, mastitis or gastrointestinal problems.
Does red cabbage cleanse your colon? ›
The fiber found in cabbage can help improve your digestive system and promote regular bowel movements. Reduced risk of heart disease and stroke. The antioxidants in cabbage help reduce inflammation, which is linked to heart disease.
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 better than blueberries? ›
Blueberries contain many other beneficial compounds as well, Dr. Howell said. “Blueberries are a melting pot of these bioactive compounds that work together to bring about all these different health benefits,” she said. “They eclipse red cabbage.”
Does red cabbage cause gas? ›
Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and other cruciferous vegetables are common foods that cause flatulence and gas. These plants release sulfur-containing organic compounds, called glucosinolates, when the leaves are cooked and/or chewed.
Which cabbage is the tastiest? ›
Many people prefer savoy cabbage to regular cabbage because of its milder flavour and tender leaves. This is the perfect cabbage for using raw and thinly sliced in salads, stir-fries, or braised with butter. Savoy cabbage works nicely as a fresh and crunchy wrap – you can substitute it for rice paper or tortillas.
Is Napa cabbage healthier than red 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 or green cabbage better for sauerkraut? ›
Use fresh cabbage. Red, firm and dense cabbage is best for this recipe. It is possible to make this recipe with green cabbage too (or just follow my traditional Fermented Cabbage Sauerkraut recipe.
Is red cabbage in a jar good for you? ›
Naturally fermented sauerkraut is really healthy. It's rich in probiotics (beneficial live bacteria) as a result of fermentation. Red cabbage also contains a good amount of vitamin C, fibre, and minerals like iron and copper.
Is red cabbage better for you than lettuce? ›
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.
