Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. This deadly disease is sweeping across America at an alarming rate. However, much of it ties back to lifestyle factors we can control, such as diet and exercise. Few people understand the impact that liver inflammation and cholesterol have on overall cardiovascular health. Millions of people struggle with these problems every day, and most don’t realize the role that their liver plays in keeping their heart healthy. The good news is that nutrition can make a measurable difference in the battle against heart disease. Microgreens, particularly red cabbage microgreens, contain powerful nutrients that may help reduce liver inflammation and lower LDL cholesterol, both of which are crucial for heart health.

Why Heart Health Is at Risk

The Link Between Liver Inflammation and Heart Disease

You might not think that your liver directly impacts your heart health because they are two separate organs. Well, think again. The liver processes a lot of the nutrients we consume before they get distributed throughout the body. This includes fats and cholesterol. Too much of the wrong kinds of fat and cholesterol can cause heart disease. Inflammation of the liver impairs its ability to filter out unnecessary fat and cholesterol, leading to a buildup and poor fat regulation throughout the body. When liver inflammation persists, it contributes to conditions such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which further increases your cardiovascular risk.

The Role of LDL Cholesterol in Cardiovascular Disease

Cholesterol isn’t always bad. In fact, we need cholesterol for our bodies to function properly. What can inhibit heart health is excessive amounts of specific types of cholesterol, particularly LDL cholesterol. High LDL contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries and increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. Therefore, inflammation of the liver (caused by a poor diet and other factors) paired with high LDL cholesterol creates a dangerous cycle that can quickly lead to cardiovascular disease.

Nutritional Power of Red Cabbage Microgreens

Concentrated Vitamins and Antioxidants

Red Cabbage Microgreens might seem a bit out of left field, right? Well, kind of. It’s true that most people don’t routinely consume red cabbage microgreens; however, Red Cabbage microgreens in particular have been found to have concentrated levels of vitamins C, K, and A, as well as minerals and antioxidants. Not only does it have these properties, but they have been found to be as much as 40 times more concentrated in the microgreen stage than in the mature plant. In a nutshell, antioxidants and nutrients found in red cabbage microgreens have been shown to reduce inflammation and lower oxidative stress, thereby mitigating the negative effects of LDL cholesterol (LDL oxidation). Not only that, but a 2016 study found that “red cabbage microgreens lower ‘bad’ cholesterol.” Furthermore, regular intake of red cabbage microgreens was shown to improve overall lipid (fat) profiles.

Who Can Benefit from Microgreens for Heart Health?

Okay, enough of the scientific talk. So, who is this information actually relevant to? Anyone with high LDL, liver inflammation, fatty liver disease (Such as NAFLD), high cholesterol, and any other at-risk populations, such as those with a family history of heart disease. Additionally, individuals with a sedentary lifestyle or a diet high in processed foods will also benefit. So, everyone who is not currently getting enough of these nutrients in their diet will benefit from regular consumption of red cabbage microgreens.

How to Add Red Cabbage Microgreens to Your Diet

More good news: red cabbage microgreens are super easy to grow at home and can be incredibly inexpensive, too. You don’t need to worry about spending tons of money each month on unregulated supplements that are not approved by the FDA. You can get the seeds and grow them yourself! You don’t even need a garden or tons of space. They are ready to harvest in about 2 weeks! I won’t go into detail here about the exact how-tos of growing microgreens. We have other resources on this website about that topic. But I do need to mention the self-watering kits available here at True Leaf Market. They are so easy to use and are inexpensive.

Flavor Profile and Culinary Uses

Most people agree that red cabbage microgreens have a fresh, crisp, and slightly peppery flavor. They taste similar to mature cabbage but are a bit more concentrated and have a more delicate texture. Yet, because they’re so young, they don’t develop the sulfur-heavy bitterness you sometimes get in adult cabbage. This flavor profile makes them perfect for a variety of culinary applications, including salads, sandwiches, wraps, grain or burrito bowls, and smoothies. Give any dish a gourmet appeal by adding it as a garnish on top! It is easy to add them to any existing diet, and this one small change could make a big difference over time.

Most people agree that red cabbage microgreens have a fresh, crisp, and slightly peppery flavor. They taste similar to mature cabbage but are a bit more concentrated and have a more delicate texture. Yet, because they’re so young, they don’t develop the sulfur-heavy bitterness you sometimes get in adult cabbage. This flavor profile makes them perfect for a variety of culinary applications, including salads, sandwiches, wraps, grain or burrito bowls, and smoothies. Give any dish a gourmet appeal by adding it as a garnish on top! It is easy to add them to any existing diet, and this one small change could make a big difference over time.

Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

I am a native of Southwestern Michigan, where I currently reside. I love all things plants! After completing a Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture, I found a dream work-from-home job that allows me to share my passion. Now, I spend my days writing for TLM, playing with my dog, eating delicious food with my husband, and plotting my next landscape or gardening move. I believe everyone should get down and dirty in the soil now and then. Happy Gardening!