Pointed Cabbage

Pointed Cabbage

Mild Cruciferous with Glucosinolates

Vegetables

Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. acuta

Origin: Europe

#cruciferous#low-calorie#fiber#glucosinolates#sulforaphane

✔ High protein✔ Fat-free✔ Low sugar✔ Low sodium

What is this ingredient?

Pointed cabbage is the mildest and most digestible cabbage variety, with a softer taste than white cabbage. As a member of the Brassica family, it contains the same cancer-protective glucosinolates as broccoli and cauliflower.

## Glucosinolates & Cancer Prevention

Cruciferous vegetables contain glucosinolates that are converted to isothiocyanates during chewing. Higdon et al. (2007) in Pharmacological Research documented that these compounds activate phase II cleansing enzymes and regulate cell growth.

## Sulforaphane Production

When cutting pointed cabbage, the enzyme myrosinase becomes active, converting glucoraphanin into sulforaphane. Fahey et al. (1997) showed that sulforaphane is one of the most potent inducers of cleansing enzymes.

## Vitamin C & Immune System

Pointed cabbage contains about 30mg vitamin C per 100g. Carr & Maggini (2017) confirmed that vitamin C is essential for immune cell function and acts as an antioxidant.

How does it taste?

Mild, sweet and delicate with a tender, soft texture. More refined than white cabbage.

Pairs well with:

Pairs well with buttercarawaybaconcream and parsley.

Did you know...?
  • Pointed cabbage is a milder, softer variant of white cabbage with a cone-shaped head.
  • Pointed cabbage has thinner leaves than regular cabbage and therefore needs less cooking time.

Nutritional Value & Energy

Per 100g

Pointed Cabbage is low in calories thanks to natural nutrients , buffered by fiber.

25 kcal (105 kJ)
2.5g Fiber

1.3gProtein
5.8gCarbs
0.1gFat
3.2gSugar
18mgSodium

Per 100g

Minerals

0.5mg Iron 40mg Calcium 0.2mg Zinc 12mg Magnesium 170mg Potassium 0mcg Iodine 0.6mcg Selenium

Vitamins

3mcg Vitamin A 0.14mg Vitamin B6 30mg Vitamin C 0.1mg Vitamin E 76mcg Vitamin K 43mcg Folate
More nutrients

B-Vitamins

0.05mg Thiamin (B1) 0.3mg Niacin (B3) 0.15mg Pantothenic Acid (B5)

Trace Minerals

0.00mg Copper 0.16mg Manganese 32mg Phosphorus

What's in a serving?

1 serving

Vitamin C a lot 38%

Pointed Cabbage naturally contains vitamin c (30 mg per 100 g).

Vitamin K very much 101%

Pointed Cabbage naturally contains vitamin k (76 mcg per 100 g).

Folate good 22%

Pointed Cabbage naturally contains folate (43 mcg per 100 g).

Potassium a little 9%
Calcium a little 5%
Magnesium a small amount 3%
Iron a small amount 4%
Manganese a little 8%

% of daily reference intake (DRI)

EU-approved nutrition claims
✔ EFSA claims via nutrients

This ingredient contains nutrients for which EFSA-authorized health claims exist (at nutrient level, not ingredient-specific).

Approved health claims (EU)

Vitamin_c EU 432/2012

Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system

Contains 30mg/100g (threshold: ≥12mg/100g)

Vitamin_c EU 432/2012

Vitamin C contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue

Contains 30mg/100g (threshold: ≥12mg/100g)

Vitamin_c EU 432/2012

Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin

Contains 30mg/100g (threshold: ≥12mg/100g)

Folate EU 432/2012

Folate contributes to normal blood formation

Contains 43mcg/100g (threshold: ≥30mcg/100g)

Folate EU 432/2012

Folate contributes to normal amino acid synthesis

Contains 43mcg/100g (threshold: ≥30mcg/100g)

Folate EU 432/2012

Folate contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism

Contains 43mcg/100g (threshold: ≥30mcg/100g)

Folate EU 432/2012

Folate contributes to normal psychological function

Contains 43mcg/100g (threshold: ≥30mcg/100g)

Folate EU 432/2012

Folate contributes to the normal function of the immune system

Contains 43mcg/100g (threshold: ≥30mcg/100g)

Folate EU 432/2012

Folate has a role in the process of cell division

Contains 43mcg/100g (threshold: ≥30mcg/100g)

Folate EU 432/2012

Folate contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy

Contains 43mcg/100g (threshold: ≥30mcg/100g)

Vitamin_c EU 432/2012

Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of blood vessels

Contains 30mg/100g (threshold: ≥12mg/100g)

Vitamin_c EU 432/2012

Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of bones

Contains 30mg/100g (threshold: ≥12mg/100g)

Vitamin_c EU 432/2012

Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage

Contains 30mg/100g (threshold: ≥12mg/100g)

Vitamin_c EU 432/2012

Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of gums

Contains 30mg/100g (threshold: ≥12mg/100g)

Vitamin_c EU 432/2012

Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of teeth

Contains 30mg/100g (threshold: ≥12mg/100g)

Vitamin_c EU 432/2012

Vitamin C contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism

Contains 30mg/100g (threshold: ≥12mg/100g)

Vitamin_c EU 432/2012

Vitamin C contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system

Contains 30mg/100g (threshold: ≥12mg/100g)

Vitamin_c EU 432/2012

Vitamin C contributes to normal psychological function

Contains 30mg/100g (threshold: ≥12mg/100g)

Vitamin_c EU 432/2012

Vitamin C contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress

Contains 30mg/100g (threshold: ≥12mg/100g)

Vitamin_c EU 432/2012

Vitamin C contributes to the regeneration of the reduced form of vitamin E

Contains 30mg/100g (threshold: ≥12mg/100g)

Vitamin_c EU 432/2012

Vitamin C increases iron absorption

Contains 30mg/100g (threshold: ≥12mg/100g)

Vitamin_c EU 432/2012

Vitamin C contributes to maintain the normal function of the immune system during and after intense physical exercise

Contains 30mg/100g (threshold: ≥12mg/100g)

Vitamin_k EU 432/2012

Vitamin K contributes to normal blood clotting

Contains 76mcg/100g (threshold: ≥11.25mcg/100g)

Vitamin_k EU 432/2012

Vitamin K contributes to the maintenance of normal bones

Contains 76mcg/100g (threshold: ≥11.25mcg/100g)

What's being researched?
Digestive

Fiber and gentle digestibility

Pointed cabbage is being studied as a milder cruciferous vegetable for digestion compared to white cabbage. Digestibility and effects on gut flora are being investigated.

Supported by: [5] Kapusta-Duch (2012)

Other

Glucosinolates and cellular studies

Glucosinolates in pointed cabbage share characteristics of other cruciferous vegetables being studied for cellular protection. Specific research on pointed cabbage is limited, but glucosinolate profiles are promising.

Supported by: [4] Verhoeven DT (1996) , [1] Higdon JV (2007) , [2] Fahey JW (1997)

Good Combinations (Synergy)

Combine pointed cabbage smartly to enhance the effect:

Synergy
Pointed Cabbage Pointed Cabbage Lemon Lemon

Vitamin C enhances glucosinolate activation and iron absorption

Technical: Pointed cabbage contains glucobrassicin and sinigrin (glucosinolates) plus 31mg vitamin C per 100g. Extra vitamin C from lemon (53mg/100g) increases stability of isothiocyanates (active products) in the GI tract. Vitamin C also contributes to the increase of iron absorption (EFSA-approved) via ferroreduction of non-heme iron (0.5mg/100g in pointed cabbage).

What does this mean for you? Pointed cabbage salad with lemon dressing maximizes both glucosinolate activation and iron absorption. Lemon keeps active compounds working longer and vitamin C increases iron absorption.

Activation
Pointed Cabbage Pointed Cabbage Mustard Mustard

Myrosinase from mustard activates glucosinolates

Technical: Pointed cabbage contains glucosinolates (glucobrassicin, sinigrin) converted by myrosinase to indole-3-carbinol and sulforaphane — bioactive compounds intensively studied in scientific research. Cooking deactivates myrosinase. Mustard provides external myrosinase; piperine from black pepper inhibits sulfotransferase keeping sulforaphane active longer.

What does this mean for you? Add mustard or black pepper to cooked pointed cabbage. Cooking destroys an important enzyme, but mustard restores it and pepper extends the effect. A simple trick with big impact.

Activation
Pointed Cabbage Pointed Cabbage Black Pepper Black Pepper

Myrosinase from mustard activates glucosinolates

Technical: Pointed cabbage contains glucosinolates (glucobrassicin, sinigrin) converted by myrosinase to indole-3-carbinol and sulforaphane — bioactive compounds intensively studied in scientific research. Cooking deactivates myrosinase. Mustard provides external myrosinase; piperine from black pepper inhibits sulfotransferase keeping sulforaphane active longer.

What does this mean for you? Add mustard or black pepper to cooked pointed cabbage. Cooking destroys an important enzyme, but mustard restores it and pepper extends the effect. A simple trick with big impact.

Absorption
Pointed Cabbage Pointed Cabbage Olive Oil Olive Oil

Fat improves absorption of fat-soluble vitamin K and carotenoids

Technical: Pointed cabbage contains 76μg vitamin K per 100g (63% RDI) and beta-carotene. Both are fat-soluble. Without fat, vitamin K absorption is only 10%. Olive oil's oleic acid forms mixed micelles increasing absorption up to 3x. Light cooking in olive oil also breaks cell walls for better nutrient release.

What does this mean for you? Stir-fry or braise pointed cabbage with a splash of olive oil. Oil is needed to absorb vitamin K. Vitamin K contributes to normal blood clotting and the maintenance of normal bones (EFSA-approved).

Recipes with Pointed Cabbage

Discover delicious recipes featuring pointed cabbage:

Cabbage Wrap with Hummus and Avocado 17 min Crispy pointed cabbage filled with colorful vegetables 295 kcal 8g protein 2 synergies
In the Kitchen

Storage

Location:Refrigerator

Shelf life:1-2 weken in de groentelade

Preparation

Raw in salads, quick stir-fry, or steaming. Don't overcook to preserve nutrients.

Time5-8 minuten wokken, 3-5 minuten stomen

Substitutes

chinese-kool 1:1 Similar texture

Smart preparation

1Cut pointed cabbage into thin strips for quick stir-fry dishes.

2Pointed cabbage is more tender than white cabbage and needs less cooking.

3Use whole leaves as wraps for minced meat fillings.

Caution / Warnings

Pointed Cabbage is very safe, but there are scientific considerations:

Thyroid Conditions Mild

Goitrogens in crucifers may affect thyroid function at very high intake; cooking reduces this effect

Blood Thinners (Warfarin) Moderate

Vitamin K may affect blood thinner effectiveness

Summary

Pointed cabbage is the mildest cabbage variety with powerful glucosinolates that activate phase II cleansing enzymes. Sulforaphane supports cell health.

Scientific Sources [1] Higdon JV, Delage B, Williams DE, Dashwood RH (2007) Cruciferous vegetables and human cancer risk: epidemiologic evidence and mechanistic basis Pharmacological Research Cruciferous vegetables and human cancer risk: epidemiologic evidence and mechanistic basis Cohort study PMID: 17317210 [2] Fahey JW, Zhang Y, Talalay P (1997) Broccoli sprouts: An exceptionally rich source of inducers of enzymes that protect against chemical carcinogens Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Broccoli sprouts: An exceptionally rich source of inducers of enzymes that and chemical carcinogens Review PMID: 9294217 [3] Carr AC, Maggini S (2017) Vitamin C and immune function Nutrients Vitamin C and immune function Review PMID: 29099763 [4] Verhoeven DT, Goldbohm RA, van Poppel G, Verhagen H, van den Brandt PA (1996) Epidemiological studies on brassica vegetables and cancer risk Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention Epidemiological studies on brassica vegetables and cancer risk Cohort study PMID: 8877066 [5] Kapusta-Duch, J., Kopeć, A., Piatkowska, E., Borczak, B., & Leszczyńska, T. (2012) The beneficial effects of Brassica vegetables on human health Roczniki Państwowego Zakładu Higieny Review of properties of cruciferous vegetables including fiber-rich cabbage varieties Review PMID: 23631258

This information is intended for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. Consult a doctor or dietitian for personal advice.