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Cooked cabbage contains several nutrients that have health benefits, making it a good addition to a well-balanced meal plan. Cabbage loses some of its nutrition when cooked for long periods of time and keeping temperature and cooking times moderate will preserve as much as possible. Cooked cabbage is a side dish that pairs well with pork chops and is a good addition to stir-fry and soup.
Vitamin K
The daily recommended intake for vitamin K is 90 mcg for women and 120 mcg for men and a 1/2-cup of cooked cabbage adds 81.5 mcg to this total. Getting adequate amounts of vitamin K is important for blood clotting and a deficiency, while rare, can lead to excessive bleeding. Vitamin K is also needed for bone health because it helps your body use calcium and getting less than the recommended amount poses an increased risk of developing osteoporosis. Cabbage is one of the best sources of vitamin K along with several other types of leafy green vegetables.
Low in Fat and Calories
A diet that isn't too high in fat and calories is a healthy way to control your weight and reduce the risk of several health problems, including heart disease and diabetes. Eating cooked cabbage as part of a nutritious diet is a good way to keep your intake of fat and calories down. A 1/2-cup contains just 17 calories and .04 g of fat. To successfully lose weight, you must burn more calories than you consume and adding cooked cabbage to your diet is a healthy way to fill your stomach and keep your calorie intake under control.
Potassium
Potassium is a nutrient that plays a role in the contraction of your bones and muscles and aids in digestion. It is also necessary for regulating your blood pressure. A deficiency could result in muscle cramps and irregular heartbeat. The daily recommended intake for potassium is 2,000 mg for both men and women and a 1/2-cup of cooked cabbage contributes 147 mg to this goal.
Antioxidants
Plant foods, including cooked cabbage, are a healthy source of antioxidants that protect your health. Antioxidants are compounds that fight the free radical damage that occurs when you are exposed to harmful components in the environment, including pollution and cigarette smoke. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can counteract this damage, which helps to prevent cancer, making cooked cabbage a healthy choice. Several nutrients are considered antioxidants and include beta-carotene and vitamins A and C, all of which are present in cooked cabbage. A 1/2-cup contains 28.1 mg of vitamin C, 60 IU of vitamin A and 36 mcg of beta-carotene.
References
USDA Nutrient Database: Cabbage, Cooked
North Carolina State University: Cabbage: A Head Above the Rest
University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin K; Steven D. Erhlich; June 2009
University of Maryland Medical Center; Potassium; Steven D. Erhlich; May 2009
Calorie Control Council: Calories Still Count
National Cancer Institute: Antioxidants and Cancer Prevention: Fact Sheet
Article reviewed by V. Mac Last updated on: Jul 24, 2011
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/500423-benefits-from-eating-cooked-cabbage/#ixzz1siGysjA1
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