White cabbage is a popular vegetable that has many health benefits. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it is also low in calories and can therefore be consumed guilt-free by those wishing to lose weight.
But are all these benefits retained when consumed raw? Let's see how raw white cabbage can help you lose weight and what its nutritional characteristics are as well as its other benefits for our health.
Raw white cabbage: what nutritional benefits?
White cabbage is a low-calorie food, with only 25 calories per 100 grams. This is why it is often recommended among foods that promote weight loss.
Rich in fiber, this vegetable helps to better regulate digestion and provide a lasting feeling of satiety,
Consuming foods rich in fiber such as white cabbage helps to avoid snacking between meals and thus facilitates weight loss. Other nutritional elements of white cabbage include:
- Vitamins: A, C, E, K and those of group B (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B9)
- Minerals: potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, copper and zinc
- Antioxidants: white cabbage, lectin (glucosinolate), lutein and zeaxanthin to help fight against cellular aging
Eat white cabbage raw rather than cooked to preserve its nutrients
Even if cooking allows you to vary the pleasures and flavors, it is preferable to eat white cabbage raw to fully benefit from its nutrients. Indeed, certain nutrients can be destroyed or modified during cooking.
This is for example the case of vitamin C, part of which can be lost during cooking. In addition, fiber is also better preserved when the vegetable is eaten raw.
To make the most of the benefits of raw white cabbage, consider including it in your salads, your juices, your minced meat or even in wraps or spring rolls.
An easy and quick recipe for consuming raw white cabbage:
Here is a quick and easy recipe idea to enjoy raw white cabbage while enjoying its benefits for weight loss:
Raw white cabbage, carrot and apple salad
- Wash and peel a small white cabbage and two carrots.
- Then cut them into thin slices using a mandolin or a knife.
- Core and cut an apple into thin slices as well.
- Mix all these ingredients in a salad bowl with the juice of a lemon, a tablespoon of mustard and two tablespoons of olive oil.
- Add salt and pepper to your liking and decorate your salad with sesame or sunflower seeds.
Raw white cabbage: other health benefits
Although this vegetable is often considered a slimming ally, its consumption also helps improve our overall health, in particular thanks to the many nutrients it contains .
-
Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease: The antioxidants present in white cabbage, such as vitamin C and glucosinolates, help fight free radicals and prevent the onset of various heart pathologies.
-
Strengthening immunity: Thanks to its high vitamin C content, white cabbage contributes to healthy aging.=---
-
Maintaining good digestion: The fibers contained in white cabbage promote the proper functioning of our digestive system. They help eliminate waste from our body and regulate intestinal transit.
-
Prevention of degenerative diseases: The antioxidants in white cabbage, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, can help slow down cellular aging and prevent the appearance of certain pathologies such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration or even certain cancers.
Conclusion: should you include raw white cabbage in your diet?
To answer this question, it is important to consider your personal needs and goals. If you're looking to lose weight, raw white cabbage can be a great choice for its low calorie content and fiber content.
However, if your goal is to have a healthy, balanced diet, consuming raw white cabbage on a regular basis could also benefit your overall health thanks to the many nutrients it contains.
