Cabbage is one of the cruciferous vegetables recommended in many weight loss diets thanks to its high fiber content and low calorie count. According to Healthline, a small cup of chopped cabbage contains only about 22 kcal but provides vitamin C, vitamin K and antioxidants that are beneficial for metabolism and immunity. Medical News Today also said that cabbage is rich in sulforaphane, which helps reduce inflammation and supports cell protection.
Thanks to its ability to create a feeling of fullness for a long time, cabbage is often added to the weight loss menu as boiled, steamed, salad or cabbage soup - a dish that has become popular in many short-term "detox" diets. International nutritionists say that eating a lot of cruciferous vegetables helps support sustainable weight control, while improving digestive health.
However, despite being a healthy food, cabbage is not suitable for everyone. According to the Cleveland Clinic, cabbage contains a large amount of raffinose - a type of indigestible carbohydrate, which can cause bloating, flatulence or stomach pain in people with sensitive digestive systems. People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are advised to eat only in small amounts or monitor their body's response.
In addition, eating raw or over-eaten cabbage can affect thyroid function. Healthline cited research that cruciferous vegetables contain goitrogen - a compound that can hinder iodine absorption in people with untreated hypothyroidism or prolonged iodine deficiency. For this group, experts recommend cooking cabbage to reduce goitrogen activity.
Another note is that people who are taking blood thinners (such as warfarin) need to be careful, because cabbage is rich in vitamin K - an important factor in the blood clotting process. Medical News Today recommends that these patients should not suddenly increase the amount of cabbage in their diet to avoid changing the effectiveness of the drug.
Despite its limitations, cabbage is still a nutritious, cheap and easy-to-process food, suitable for most healthy diets if used properly. Experts say the important thing is not to eliminate cruciferous vegetables, but to eat them in reasonable doses and in accordance with each person's health condition.
