Foodstruct Nutrition Search | Diet Analysis | Food Comparison | Glycemic Index Chart | Insulin Index Chart | Blog | Subscribe | Sign Up

Cabbage vs. Savoy cabbage — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

Compare
Article author photo Ani Harutyunyan by Ani Harutyunyan | Last updated on April 04, 2023
Medically reviewed by Elen Khachatrian Article author photo Elen Khachatrian
Cabbage
vs
Savoy cabbage

Summary

Cabbage is richer in soluble fiber and vitamins C and B5. On the other hand, savoy cabbage has more vitamin A than usual cabbage and is higher in many minerals. Savoy cabbage is richer in soluble fiber

 

Introduction 

Both being types of cabbage, the usual cabbage and savoy cabbage have a lot of differences. These vegetables contain a lot of vitamins and minerals. On the other hand, savoy cabbage and cabbage differ in nutrient content. In this article, we will discuss the general and nutritional differences and the health impacts of raw cabbage and raw savoy cabbage.

Taste and appearance 

Cabbage is a leafy plant from the genus Brassica and has red, white, green, and purplish varieties. It usually tastes peppery but has a sweet flavor when cooked. Cabbage is native to western Europe. 

Savoy cabbage is believed to come from Italy. It also belongs to the Brassicaceae family

Savoy cabbage leaves are smaller and more crinkled than cabbage ones. They are commonly emerald green. This vegetable has a mild and less peppery taste

Nutrition

Both vegetables contain more than 90% of water, but they do not have the same distribution of different macronutrients. In the following sections, we will compare 100g quantities of these types of cabbage. 

@macronutirents 

Vitamins

Vitamins are essential nutrients the human organism cannot synthesize. Vitamins are abundant in vegetables such as cabbage and savoy cabbage.

Savoy cabbage is high in vitamins A, E, B1, B3, B6, and folate, although cabbage has more C, B5, B2, and K.

Savoy cabbage offers way more vitamin A than cabbage, with 1000IU per 100g compared to 98IU in cabbage. 

For more information, check the vitamin comparison chart shown below. 

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
:
Contains more Vitamin C +18.1%
Contains more Vitamin B2 +33.3%
Contains more Vitamin B5 +13.4%
Contains more Vitamin K +10.5%
Contains more Vitamin A +920.4%
Contains more Vitamin E +13.3%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +14.8%
Contains more Vitamin B3 +28.2%
Contains more Vitamin B6 +53.2%
Contains more Folate +86%
Equal in Vitamin K - 68.8
Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 6% 3% 0% 122% 16% 10% 5% 13% 29% 33% 0% 190%
Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 60% 4% 0% 104% 18% 7% 6% 12% 44% 60% 0% 172%
Contains more Vitamin C +18.1%
Contains more Vitamin B2 +33.3%
Contains more Vitamin B5 +13.4%
Contains more Vitamin K +10.5%
Contains more Vitamin A +920.4%
Contains more Vitamin E +13.3%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +14.8%
Contains more Vitamin B3 +28.2%
Contains more Vitamin B6 +53.2%
Contains more Folate +86%
Equal in Vitamin K - 68.8
  

Minerals

Savoy cabbage is the winner in this section. 

Savoy cabbage is higher in potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and copper than cabbage. Cabbage is richer in iron and calcium

Savoy cabbage is 60g richer in potassium than usual cabbage. 

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Contains more Calcium +14.3%
Contains more Iron +17.5%
Contains less Sodium -35.7%
Contains more Magnesium +133.3%
Contains more Phosphorus +61.5%
Contains more Potassium +35.3%
Contains more Zinc +50%
Contains more Copper +226.3%
Contains more Manganese +12.5%
Contains more Selenium +200%
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium 12% 18% 9% 12% 15% 3% 5% 7% 21% 2%
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium 11% 15% 20% 18% 21% 4% 8% 21% 24% 5%
Contains more Calcium +14.3%
Contains more Iron +17.5%
Contains less Sodium -35.7%
Contains more Magnesium +133.3%
Contains more Phosphorus +61.5%
Contains more Potassium +35.3%
Contains more Zinc +50%
Contains more Copper +226.3%
Contains more Manganese +12.5%
Contains more Selenium +200%
 

Macronutrients

Proteins

Vegetables are usually not considered protein sources, but they contain some amounts of proteins. Savoy cabbage provides slightly more protein than cabbage. It contains 2g per 100g of vegetable, compared to 1.28g of cabbage.

Carbs

Savoy cabbage has a little more carbs than cabbage. Cabbage has 5.8g of carbohydrates per 100g, while savoy cabbage has 6.1g. Furthermore, savoy cabbage has fewer sugars than cabbage. It does not contain fructose, while cabbage provides 1.5g of it per 100g.

Fiber

Cabbage and savoy cabbage provide nearly the same amount of fiber. Cabbage is usually higher in soluble fiber, while savoy cabbage contains more insoluble fiber

Net carbs

Net carbs are the carbs in food used to produce energy. You need to subtract the amount of fiber from the total carbs in the food to get the net carb amount.

Cabbage provides 5.8 grams of carbs with 2.5 grams of fiber. On the other hand, savoy cabbage provides 6.1 grams of carbohydrates and 3.1 grams of fiber per serving. Cabbage has 3.3 grams of net carbs, whereas savoy cabbage has 3 grams. Hence, the net carb content is nearly similar

Fats

Fats are not found in cabbage or savoy cabbage in significant quantities. Cabbage is higher in monounsaturated fats, while savoy cabbage is richer in polyunsaturated fats. The two vegetables are equal in cholesterol content: they do not contain a considerable amount.

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison
Contains more Monounsaturated Fat +142.9%
Contains less Saturated Fat -61.8%
Contains more Polyunsaturated fat +188.2%
50% 25% 25%
Saturated Fat: 0.034 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.017 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 0.017 g
19% 10% 71%
Saturated Fat: 0.013 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.007 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 0.049 g
Contains more Monounsaturated Fat +142.9%
Contains less Saturated Fat -61.8%
Contains more Polyunsaturated fat +188.2%
 

Calories

Cabbage and savoy cabbage have almost similar amounts of calories. However, cabbage has 25 calories per 100g of vegetable, compared to 27 for savoy cabbage.

Health impact

Blood pressure management

High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for stroke and cardiovascular disease. Cabbage and savoy cabbage are beneficial for blood pressure management. 

It is believed that increasing the dietary intake of potassium lowers blood pressure (1). Cabbage, especially the red variety of it, is an excellent source of potassium and may help keep blood pressure in a healthy range. Savoy cabbage is higher in potassium and can show a better effect on high blood pressure. 

Antioxidants

Toxic free radicals of oxygen can cause oxidative stress and damage all cells and tissues. As a result, oxidative stress may become a reason for cardiovascular disease (2), obesity (3), and Alzheimer’s disease. Antioxidants are compounds that help to neutralize free radicals (4). Cabbage and savoy cabbage are both high in antioxidants. These two vegetables have different compounds to participate in the organism's antioxidant defense.

Savoy cabbage consumption is linked with cytotoxicity and tumor formation inhibition (5). This is due to the sulforaphane content of savoy cabbage. 

Cabbage is high in vitamin C. It is a potent antioxidant that can protect the human body against cardiovascular disease and some types of cancer (6) (7).

Article author photo Ani Harutyunyan
Education: General Medicine at YSMU
Last updated: April 04, 2023
Medically reviewed by Elen Khachatrian

Infographic

Cabbage vs Savoy cabbage infographic
Infographic link

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison
Contains more Protein +56.3%
Contains more Other +25%
Equal in Fats - 0.1
Equal in Carbs - 6.1
Equal in Water - 91
6% 92%
Protein: 1.28 g
Fats: 0.1 g
Carbs: 5.8 g
Water: 92.18 g
Other: 0.64 g
2% 6% 91%
Protein: 2 g
Fats: 0.1 g
Carbs: 6.1 g
Water: 91 g
Other: 0.8 g
Contains more Protein +56.3%
Contains more Other +25%
Equal in Fats - 0.1
Equal in Carbs - 6.1
Equal in Water - 91

Comparison summary table

Pay attention to the rightmost column. It displays the amounts side by side, giving a clearer understanding of the difference.
Cabbage Savoy cabbage
Lower in Sugar ok
Lower in Saturated Fat ok
Lower in Glycemic Index ok
Rich in minerals ok
Lower in Sodium ok
Lower in price ok
Lower in Cholesterol Equal
Rich in vitamins Equal

All nutrients comparison - raw data values

Nutrient Cabbage Savoy cabbage Opinion
Net carbs 3.3g 3g Cabbage
Protein 1.28g 2g Savoy cabbage
Fats 0.1g 0.1g
Carbs 5.8g 6.1g Savoy cabbage
Calories 25kcal 27kcal Savoy cabbage
Fructose 1.45g Cabbage
Sugar 3.2g 2.27g Savoy cabbage
Fiber 2.5g 3.1g Savoy cabbage
Calcium 40mg 35mg Cabbage
Iron 0.47mg 0.4mg Cabbage
Magnesium 12mg 28mg Savoy cabbage
Phosphorus 26mg 42mg Savoy cabbage
Potassium 170mg 230mg Savoy cabbage
Sodium 18mg 28mg Cabbage
Zinc 0.18mg 0.27mg Savoy cabbage
Copper 0.019mg 0.062mg Savoy cabbage
Manganese 0.16mg 0.18mg Savoy cabbage
Selenium 0.3µg 0.9µg Savoy cabbage
Vitamin A 98IU 1000IU Savoy cabbage
Vitamin A RAE 5µg 50µg Savoy cabbage
Vitamin E 0.15mg 0.17mg Savoy cabbage
Vitamin C 36.6mg 31mg Cabbage
Vitamin B1 0.061mg 0.07mg Savoy cabbage
Vitamin B2 0.04mg 0.03mg Cabbage
Vitamin B3 0.234mg 0.3mg Savoy cabbage
Vitamin B5 0.212mg 0.187mg Cabbage
Vitamin B6 0.124mg 0.19mg Savoy cabbage
Folate 43µg 80µg Savoy cabbage
Vitamin K 76µg 68.8µg Cabbage
Tryptophan 0.011mg 0.02mg Savoy cabbage
Threonine 0.035mg 0.069mg Savoy cabbage
Isoleucine 0.03mg 0.101mg Savoy cabbage
Leucine 0.041mg 0.103mg Savoy cabbage
Lysine 0.044mg 0.094mg Savoy cabbage
Methionine 0.012mg 0.02mg Savoy cabbage
Phenylalanine 0.032mg 0.064mg Savoy cabbage
Valine 0.042mg 0.085mg Savoy cabbage
Histidine 0.022mg 0.041mg Savoy cabbage
Saturated Fat 0.034g 0.013g Savoy cabbage
Monounsaturated Fat 0.017g 0.007g Cabbage
Polyunsaturated fat 0.017g 0.049g Savoy cabbage

Which food is preferable for your diet?

ok
ok
is better in case of low diet
Cabbage Savoy cabbage
Low Fats diet Equal
Low Carbs diet ok
Low Calories diet ok
Low Glycemic Index diet ok

People also compare

Vitamins & Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score

The summary scores indicate the extent to which this food can fulfill your daily vitamin and mineral requirements if you consume 3 servings, consisting of 100 grams of each (an approximation of 3 serving sizes).
Vitamins Daily Need Coverage Score
35%
Cabbage
40%
Savoy cabbage
Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score
10%
Cabbage
14%
Savoy cabbage

Comparison summary

Which food is lower in Sugar?
Savoy cabbage
Savoy cabbage is lower in Sugar (difference - 0.93g)
Which food is lower in Saturated Fat?
Savoy cabbage
Savoy cabbage is lower in Saturated Fat (difference - 0.021g)
Which food is lower in glycemic index?
Savoy cabbage
Savoy cabbage is lower in glycemic index (difference - 32)
Which food is richer in minerals?
Savoy cabbage
Savoy cabbage is relatively richer in minerals
Which food contains less Sodium?
Cabbage
Cabbage contains less Sodium (difference - 10mg)
Which food is cheaper?
Cabbage
Cabbage is cheaper (difference - $0.2)
Which food contains less Cholesterol?
?
The foods are relatively equal in Cholesterol (0 mg)
Which food is richer in vitamins?
?
It cannot be stated which food is richer in vitamins. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information.

References

All the values for which the sources are not specified explicitly are taken from FDA’s Food Central. The exact link to the food presented on this page can be found below.

  1. Cabbage - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169975/nutrients
  2. Savoy cabbage - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170388/nutrients

All the Daily Values are presented for males aged 31-50, for 2000-calorie diets.

Data provided by FoodStruct.com should be considered and used as information only. Please consult your physician before beginning any diet.