۹ Impressive Health Benefits of Cabbage

Cabbage is highly nutritious and rich in vitamin C, fiber, and vitamin K. Some research suggests that it may have health benefits that include supporting digestion and heart health, among others.
Despite its impressive nutrient content, cabbage is often overlooked.
Additionally, cabbage is loaded with vitamins and minerals.
This article uncovers 9 surprising health benefits of cabbage, all backed by science.
۱. Cabbage is packed with nutrients
Even though cabbage is very low in calories, it has an impressive nutrient profile.
In fact, just 1 cup, or 89 grams (g), of raw green cabbage contains (2Trusted Source):
• Calories: 22
• Protein: 1 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Vitamin K: 56% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 36% of the DV
• Folate: 10% of the DV
• Manganese: 6% of the DV
• Vitamin B6: 6% of the DV
• Calcium: 3% of the DV
• Potassium: 3% of the DV
• Magnesium: 3% of the DV

Cabbage also contains small amounts of other micronutrients, including vitamin A, iron, and riboflavin (2Trusted Source).
As you can see in the list above, it is rich in vitamin B6 and folate, both of which are essential for many important processes in the body, including energy metabolism and the normal functioning of the nervous system (3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source).
In addition, cabbage is high in fiber and contains powerful antioxidants, including polyphenols and sulfur compounds (5Trusted Source).
Antioxidants protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. When their levels become too high, they can damage your cells (6Trusted Source).

Cabbage is especially high in vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that may protect against heart disease, certain cancers, and vision loss (7Trusted Source, 8Trusted Source, 9Trusted Source).
۲. It may help keep inflammation in check
Inflammation isn’t always a bad thing.
In fact, your body relies on the inflammatory response to protect against infection or speed up healing. This kind of acute inflammation is a normal response to an injury or infection.
On the other hand, chronic inflammation that occurs over a long period of time is associated with many diseases, including heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease (10Trusted Source).
Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage contain many different antioxidants that have been shown to reduce chronic inflammation (11).
۳. Cabbage is packed with vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that serves many important roles in the body.
For instance, it’s 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 (17Trusted Source).
۴. It helps improve digestion
۵. May help keep your heart healthy
۶. May lower blood pressure
۷. Could help lower cholesterol levels
۸. Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamin K