Deep Dive

Shredded through a raw bowl, red cabbage brings crunch, colour and a science-backed mix of anthocyanins, a dense package of polyphenols, vitamin C/K and cruciferous compounds. Its powerful compounds make it exceptionally powerful for cardiovascular health, cancer prevention and antioxidant support, on top of providing essential vitamins and minerals. It’s a simple way to back your heart, immunity and everyday cellular defences - while making your salad look (and taste) more exciting.

 Why You'll Love It 

• This crucifer contains compounds that help your liver break down toxins more efficiently, supporting natural detoxification.
• Red cabbage is loaded with anthocyanins (the pigments that make it purple) that have been shown to lower inflammation, protect your heart, and reduce the risk of certain cancers.
• Vitamin C + K combo boosts collagen for healthy skin and gums, immunity and normal blood clotting.
• Red cabbage can help improve your gut health thanks to its high fibre and prebiotic phytochemicals, especially when eaten raw or fermented.
• Its high antioxidant load protects against UV-induced damage and supports skin elasticity.
• Anthocyanins in red cabbage cross the blood-brain barrier, improving memory and reducing age-related cognitive decline.
• It also helps maintain bone density, especially when consumed regularly.

 Health Benefits 

Cancer-protective compounds (cruciferous advantage)
As a crucifer, red cabbage supplies glucosinolates (that your body converts into isothiocyanates when you chew it) as well as anthocyanins – the combination of these two compounds yields strong anticancer effects like inducing detoxification enzymes, promoting apoptosis in cancer cells, inhibit tumour proliferation, and may help counter processes involved in carcinogenesis. Epidemiological data link high cruciferous vegetable intake with a 20–30% lower risk of colorectal and lung cancers.

Cardiovascular support
Red cabbage’s high anthocyanin content (365mg per 100g) provides potent cardiovascular support by improving endothelial function, lowering blood pressure, and reducing arterial stiffness. Clinical studies associate anthocyanin-rich diets with a 9% reduction in systolic blood pressure and a 14% lower risk of hypertension. Add the potassium content that supports normal blood pressure as part of a balanced diet, and red cabbage makes a smart everyday pick.

Immune and skin support (vitamin C)
With 57mg of vitamin C and multiple antioxidants, red cabbage bolsters immune function, enhances white blood cell activity, and neutralizes free radicals. It also supports collagen formation: benefiting skin elasticity, joint health, bone strength and density, and even muscle mass and heart function - useful everyday roles that pair well with anthocyanin’s antioxidant capacity that reduces markers of oxidative stress by up to 25% in intervention studies.

Bone health and normal clotting (vitamin K)
About 38 µg vitamin K per 100 g supports wound healing, normal blood clotting and prevents excessive bleeding. It also supports osteocalcin activation (a protein produced by bone-forming cells called osteoblasts) for bone mineralization and plays a crucial role in building and maintaining healthy bones and may even support blood vessel health and energy metabolism - which makes it a powerful addition to daily nutrition.

Gut health and natural detox support
Fibre (approx. 2.1 g per 100 g) supports regularity and fuels beneficial microbes. Meanwhile, chewing cruciferous veg helps release natural compounds that boost your body’s detoxifying enzymes, supporting your own natural ability to clear out toxins. Red cabbage has also been shown to release meaningful amounts of sulforaphane - a compound that helps your body fight toxins and supports overall wellness.

Collagen boost, immunity and healing power
The powerful combination of vitamin C and vitamin K works wonders for your body. Vitamin C boosts collagen production, giving you healthy, firm skin, strong gums, and improved wound healing. Vitamin K helps your blood clot properly, which is crucial for preventing excessive bleeding and supporting bone health. Plus, this duo strengthens your immune system, keeping you resilient and energized.

 Why It Works – Scientific Insight 

• Anthocyanins → Endothelial function: Human evidence shows anthocyanin-rich foods can enhance nitric-oxide–mediated vasodilation and improve blood-pressure markers in at-risk groups.
• Cruciferous glucosinolates → Isothiocyanates (e.g., sulforaphane): Chewing activates myrosinase, forming ITCs that induce phase-II enzymes; red cabbage can yield appreciable sulforaphane depending on cultivar/season.
• Anthocyanin levels vary by cultivar: Studies report ~100–150 mg/100 g FW in many red cabbages, with some reports approaching ~300 mg/100 g, reflecting differences in variety and growing conditions.

See References