Will cabbage cause bloating?

Cabbage, a versatile leafy vegetable, is popular for its crunchy texture and delicious taste. However, many people avoid it because of the fear that it might cause bloating. While cabbage does have some properties that can lead to bloating, not all types of cabbage are created equal. So should you be wary of the Brassica family or dive in headfirst? In this article, we will explore whether or not cabbage causes bloating and how to best enjoy it.

What Is Cabbage?

Cabbage belongs to the Brassica genus, which also includes vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and collard greens. There are several different types of cabbages available like green cabbage (standard variety), savoy cabbage (crinkly leaves) and Napa cabbage aka Chinese celery cabbages with stalks like celery but tastes more like average American lettuce.

Nutritional Value Of Cabbage

Before diving into whether or not eating cabbage will give you gas, let’s look at some nutritional facts about our bumpy friend:

  • One cup of shredded raw green cabbage contains:
  • Calories – 22
  • Carbohydrates – 5g
  • Fiber -2g
  • Protein- <1g
  • It’s an excellent source of Vitamin K with over half your daily recommended intake per cup.
  • It has plenty of Vitamin C too! More than Tangerines even- containing ~65% DV!
  • Rich in antioxidants

So clearly there is reason enough here on top why you should incorporate this veggie delight in your diets.

Why Does Eating Veggies Cause Bloating?

We’ve been told since childhood that eating veggies was good for us – so what gives? Why do they make us feel bloated after meals?

Let us digress momentarily … “Fiber, Fiber everywhere”– The war cry of those in favor of plant-based diets! They do have a point. Fiber is one reason why vegetables can cause bloating, since it takes longer for the body to digest and move through the system than other foods like simple carbohydrates such as chips or junk food.

Another likely reason is comestible oligosaccharides- an undisputable tongue twister -also known by its simpler name FOS(Fructo-Oligosaccarides). These sugars are found in many vegetables (like cabbage!) and legumes, where they’re used primarily as energy storage and cell nutrients. However, your small intestine lacks enzymes necessary to process these FOS sugars which leads to fermentation by bacteria in large intestines resulting in gas build-up hence that bloated feeling.

Finally, cruciferous veggies contain raffinose too another complex carb difficult to break down leading up again to — you guessed it right!–more flatulence production!. Sounds fun doesn’t it ?

“Wait before we go further – am I allergic ?!!!”

Cabbage Allergy?

Very few people are allergic specifically to cabbage itself. Someone who is should avoid this vegetable completely. Nonetheless some may experience mild symptoms including itching around the mouth/ lips tastebuds tingle etc when consuming raw cabbages which could be attributed just a result of oral allergy syndrome reaction – essentially linked with pollen allergies during spring times ! However that’s very rare .

If You Are Not Allergic…Should You Avoid It?

Absolutely not- Eating cooked cabbage reduces most if not all potential issues regarding digestion!

So far we know fibre content & FOS contribute aspects but how much does cooking really take care of them?

To explore this query let us look at some popular ways folks tend using their greens:

How Do People Eat Cabbage To Get The Most Out Of Them?

Here are some of the most popular methods of cooking cabbage:

Raw Cabbage Salad

Raw salads make a great side dish to accompany your meal or even as a light lunch on their own. However, it is important to note that raw cabbage can be difficult to digest for some people and cause gas.

Tip: Cut into thin shredded pieces -either by hand or using mandoline slicer- & marinate in apple cider vinegar , olive oil (Start with small amount first), lemon juice ; sprinkle some salt, black pepper as seasoning – let sit around 30 mins before devouring – this quick and simple step helps reducing the ‘toughness’ factor by breaking down insoluble fibre content thereby making easier absorption possible.

Boiled Or Steamed Cabbage

Boiling or steaming cabbage can reduce its fiber content which often causes bloating. Boil/steam until slightly softer but while retain ‘bite’ texture without overdoing it hence mushy less desired look!

Suggested Recipe:

  • Ingredients:
  • One head Green cabbage – Finely chopped–
  • Curd / Yogurt-One cup
  • Chopped Coriander leaves–1 tbsp.
  • Turmeric Powder– a pinch
  • Salt –as per taste
  • Preparation :
    Take all ingredients specified above in bowl & whisk thoroughly until smooth mixture forms . Add up half tsp cumin seeds( optional) . Put in finely chopped green cabbages(don’t need pre-boil). Allow the dressing/flavorings to get evenly coated throughout greens chewing away! Try not overdo it an enjoy enjoying each bite.

Roasted Cabbage Wedges

Roasting does wonders when you want more caramelized flavors.Cut wedges properly introduce olive oil, red wine vinegar combination along with garlic etc seasoning before roasting midway through flip these babies over till roasted from both sides.

Pro-Tip: You can choose to salt only after roasting( so the final dish isn’t too salty) with any of your favorite masala/ spice blend for a quick tasty cabbage snack!

Cabbage Stir Fry

If you’re in a rush, stir-fry is an excellent way of preparing cabbages; it’s easy to make and requires minimal effort. Tip: Keep flame high and toss those sliced button onions & Tofu cubes or Julienned carrots- Hot pan with vegetable oil – throw right ingredients along sauteing up until cripsy green color ensures – add dash seasoning tastes/sauces ! Voila!

Conclusion: Will Eating Cabbage Cause Bloating?

There is nothing inherently wrong with eating cabbage as long as you do not have specific allergies or pre-existing stomach problems that could cause bloating. However given the potential FOS content , fermentable carbohydrates typical vegetables tend portray – many people experience some gas build-up upon consuming raw cabbage in larger quantities.

But there are simple enough steps one may undertake to reduce risk factors through consumption methods discussed earlier above.
So go ahead; take that leafy bite without fear knowing now how best to enjoy your Brassica family membership rights!

Bon Appétit!!

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