Cabbage soup has gained popularity over the years as a potentially beneficial food for liver health. Cabbage contains certain compounds that may help support liver function and protect the liver from damage. However, more research is still needed to confirm the effectiveness of cabbage soup specifically for improving liver health.
What is cabbage soup?
Cabbage soup refers to any soup that contains cabbage as the main ingredient. There are many different recipes for cabbage soup, which can include other vegetables like onions, carrots, tomatoes and celery along with broth, spices and herbs. The basic premise is a broth-based soup with shredded or chopped cabbage as the feature vegetable.
Cabbage soup is considered a low-calorie, high-fiber food. An average one cup serving provides around 30-60 calories and 2-3 grams of dietary fiber. It’s also low in fat and rich in vitamins C and K. The fiber and low calorie density make cabbage soup popular for supporting weight loss and detoxification.
Potential liver benefits of cabbage soup
Several compounds found in cabbage may contribute to its possible liver protective effects.
Glucosinolates
Cabbage contains molecules called glucosinolates. During digestion, glucosinolates get converted into other compounds like isothiocyanates which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds may help guard liver cells against oxidative stress and damage.
Anthocyanins
Red cabbage contains antioxidant pigments called anthocyanins. These flavonoid antioxidants give red cabbage its purple-red hue. In animal studies, anthocyanins decreased markers of liver injury and improved antioxidant status in the liver. More human research is needed.
Choline
Cabbage is a source of choline, an essential nutrient that plays an important role in liver function. Choline helps transport lipids through the liver and protects liver cells from damage.
Evidence on cabbage and liver health
Some scientific studies have specifically analyzed the effects of cabbage and its compounds on the liver:
– In an animal study, rats fed fried fatty foods along with cabbage juice showed lower levels of liver enzymes compared to rats fed only the fried fatty diet. This suggested cabbage helped protect liver function.
– Rats pretreated with cabbage extract before alcohol exposure showed less severe liver injury and oxidative stress compared to rats given only alcohol.
– According to a review study, cabbage juice improved antioxidant status in adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
– Human studies indicate sauerkraut juice, which is made from fermented cabbage, helps improve liver function tests in patients with liver disorders. However, larger scale research is still needed.
Overall the evidence suggests certain compounds in cabbage may be beneficial for liver health, though more human research on cabbage soup itself is needed.
Other liver health benefits of cabbage soup ingredients
In addition to cabbage, cabbage soup recipes can contain a variety of other healthy vegetables that may also promote liver health:
Onions
Onions contain numerous organosulfur compounds which exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may protect the liver.
Carrots
Carrots are packed with antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin C. Carrot juice has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and fat accumulation in animal models of liver disease.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Rat studies show lycopene helps protect against lipid peroxidation and liver injury.
Celery
Celery contains antioxidant flavonoids that exhibit hepatoprotective effects in animal studies. Research shows celery extract protects liver cells from damage and reduces liver inflammation.
Turmeric
Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric helps decrease liver enzymes, improve antioxidant status and reduce fatty liver in animal research.
The combination of multiple liver-supportive vegetables like cabbage, onions, carrots, tomatoes, celery and turmeric make cabbage soup a nourishing choice for optimal liver health.
Is cabbage soup good for a fatty liver?
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) involves excess fat buildup in the liver. Oxidative stress and inflammation play major roles in the progression of NAFLD. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in cabbage soup ingredients may be beneficial for protecting against a fatty liver.
Some research shows:
– Cabbage juice improved liver enzymes and antioxidant status in people with NAFLD.
– Onion extract protected against fat accumulation in the livers of mice fed a high-fat diet.
– Carrot juice decreased oxidative stress and prevented hepatic steatosis in rats fed a high-fat diet.
– Turmeric supplements reduced fatty liver severity in human trials.
The liver-supportive benefits associated with these vegetables indicate cabbage soup may have a positive impact on fatty liver parameters, though more direct research is still needed.
Is cabbage soup a detox for the liver?
Some sources claim that cabbage soup can “detox” the liver. Detoxification is a normal liver process that neutralizes toxins.
While no foods inherently “detox” the liver, cabbage soup provides nutrients that may support the liver’s natural detoxification processes in the following ways:
Boosts glutathione
The liver uses glutathione, an important antioxidant, to neutralize toxins and free radicals. Compounds in cabbage may increase glutathione levels.
Improves bile flow
Toxic waste gets excreted through bile. The fiber in cabbage soup promotes bile secretion from the liver.
Supports healthy enzymes
Liver enzymes help metabolize toxins. Cabbage contains compounds shown to optimize liver enzyme activity in animal research.
Reduces damage
Toxins can damage liver cells over time. Cabbage provides antioxidants that may limit this damage.
While not a miracle “detox” food, cabbage soup provides important nutrients that may enhance the liver’s natural ability to process and remove toxins.
Possible downsides of cabbage soup
Cabbage soup has potential benefits for the liver, but there are a few downsides to consider as well:
Nutrient deficiencies
If eaten long-term as a meal replacement for weight loss, cabbage soup could potentially lead to deficiencies in protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Be sure to eat a balanced diet.
Thyroid effects
Very high intakes of cruciferous vegetables like cabbage may interfere with thyroid hormone production in sensitive individuals. Moderate cabbage intake as part of a soup is unlikely to cause problems.
Gas and bloating
Some people experience gas and abdominal discomfort from eating cabbage and other cruciferous veggies. Introduce cabbage soup slowly and try digestive enzymes to help break down cabbage’s nutrients.
Can affect medication
The compounds in cabbage may interact with certain medications broken down by the liver. Speak with your healthcare provider if taking prescription medications.
Recipe for simple healing cabbage soup
This easy detox cabbage soup recipe brings together a variety of liver-supportive vegetables:
Ingredients
– 1 small head green cabbage, shredded
– 3 carrots, diced
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 stalks celery, sliced
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1⁄2 teaspoon turmeric
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Heat vegetable broth in a large pot. Add onions, carrots, celery and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes.
2. Add shredded cabbage and continue cooking for 7 minutes, until cabbage is tender.
3. Stir in tomatoes, turmeric, salt and pepper.
4. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Serve hot and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat as needed.
Conclusion
Research indicates certain compounds in cabbage and other vegetables like onions, carrots and tomatoes may help protect liver function and improve biomarkers of liver health. Cabbage soup provides a nourishing combination of these liver-friendly veggies in an easy-to-digest broth. While not a magic bullet, cabbage soup can be included as part of an overall healthy diet to support optimal liver health. Be sure to pair cabbage soup with a balanced diet and speak with your healthcare provider about your liver health.