Cabbage is a healthy and adaptable vegetable that carries a lot of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Although, besides the good health ascription, a few people cannot consume or need to limit the consumption of cabbage due to some digestive issues, drug reactions, or different health conditions. Below are the four types of people to watch their cabbage intake:
1. People with Thyroid Disorders
The cruciferous vegetable family, which includes cabbage, features substances named goitrogens. These are the chemicals that can prevent the thyroid from producing hormones by halting the iodine uptake and thus exacerbate hypothyroidism. In general, for most people, it is safe to consume cabbage in moderate amounts; if one already has thyroid problems, particularly at the stage of eating raw cabbage, it is necessary to consult a doctor. The process of boiling the cabbage generally reduces the goitrogenic activity.
2. Individuals with Digestive Issues (IBS or Frequent Bloating)
Cabbage has a high fiber and the presence of raffinose, a complex sugar, allows the cabbage to be the cause of gas and bloating. Persons with an irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or those where the digestive system is very sensible might find the consumption of cabbage uncomfortable. Sauerkraut to which fermentation process happens may be easily digestible; however, people having gas problem should control the amount of cabbage that they intake.
3. People Who Take Blood Thinners (E.g., Warfarin)
Cabbage is a good source of vitamin K, a determinant of the blood clotting time. The vitamin K content of a single product may be too high for persons using anticoagulant medication (e.g., warfarin), or the vitamin K may also become the cause of the clotting effect of the warfarin drug. Hence, if you are taking blood-thinning drugs, keep a stable vitamin K intake and also have a conversation with a healthcare professional in regards to the consumption of cabbage.
4. Persons with Oxalate-Sensitive Kidney Stones
Cabbage is a source of oxalates, which can promote the formation of kidney stones in individuals who are susceptible to oxalates. A person with a history of calcium oxalate kidney stones might have to get used to the idea of not eating high-oxalate foods (cabbage in this list) so as to reduce the possibility of a recurrence of the disease.
Last Words
Although cabbage has a lot to offer to our health, certain people are advised not to eat it. If you come under those groups, maybe go for moderation or choose another vegetable. It’s always a good decision to ask for a second opinion from a healthcare professional when making drastic changes in your diet, especially with pre-existing health issues.
