cabbage vs lettuce – Talking about cabbage vs lettuce, most people might think they are the same. Although the appearance looks the same, and both are high in nutrition, you need to know that several differences exist.
Nutritionists agree that lettuce and cabbage are essential for daily consumption. Both contain antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients for health.
However, when it comes to “which one is better between cabbage vs lettuce”, the answer will be relative, depending on the needs and condition of your body. Therefore, let’s first learn the difference before taking it from the grocery.
Cabbage vs lettuce Identity
Physically, many people confuse the difference between these two vegetables. Both of them have layers of leaves with short stems. However, their differences are very significant and are not at all related in terms of taxonomy.
Lettuce is part of the Asteraceae family and the genus Lactuca. Meanwhile, cabbage belongs to the Brassicaceae family and the genus Oleracea. Despite the physical similarity, cabbage has a closer relationship with cauliflower, kale, and broccoli.
Physical Difference
These two vegetables are equally layered, which makes them difficult to distinguish. However, lettuce has a more oblong shape because the leaves wrap around each other. Its appearance is different from cabbage which tends to be rounder.
In addition, lettuce also has more chlorophyll that makes it greener and darker in color. However, there are some variants where both are also purple or reddish.
The color difference probably comes from the habitat. Lettuce does thrive in warmer locations and gets more sun. Meanwhile, the best place for cabbage is the cool and shady area.
In terms of taste, cabbage is generally crunchier, so the best way to serve it is when it’s cooked. It has a stronger taste and aroma when compared to lettuce.
Lettuce has more water content which makes it softer. Serving it raw is more popular because it will break easily in the boiling and steaming process.
Nutritional Value
We cannot determine which is better between cabbage vs lettuce because each condition is relative as everyone has their own needs. To help you choose, we help to show a nutritional comparison of the two.
To make it easier, in this review, we will take a sample of green cabbage and iceberg lettuce because their nutritional values are most representative of their respective types. This nutritional value table aims to help you choose based on the Reference Daily Intake (RDI):
Nutrition | Green Cabbage (per 100 grams) | Iceberg Lettuce (per 100 grams) |
Carbs | 6 grams | 3 grams |
Calories | 25 | 14 |
Protein | 1 grams | 1 grams |
Fat | Less than 1 gram | Less than 1 gram |
Fiber | 3 grams | 1 gram |
Folate | 11% of the RDI * | 7% of the RDI |
Vitamin A | 2 % of the RDI | 10% of the RDI |
Vitamin C | 61% of the RDI | 5% of the RDI |
Vitamin K | 96% of the RDI | 30% of the RDI |
Vitamin B6 | 6% of the RDI | 2% of the RDI |
Source: U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Read Also : List of Vegetable High in Iron list to Boost Your Life Quality
Cabbage vs lettuce, They Both Keep You Healthy
Although there are differences in nutritional value, both lettuce and cabbage have high mineral content, including fiber. Despite the high fiber content, the calories are relatively low that prevents drastic weight gain.
These nutrients are necessary for healthy digestion, maintaining blood sugar, and preventing obesity. Several studies show that these two vegetables can also prevent cancer and maintain heart performance.
Summary
Based on the reviews above, we can conclude that both have necessary nutrients for our bodies. However, the two differ in several ways. Some people say that cabbage has more nutrition for daily needs. However, this is not entirely true because they both contain high antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Lettuce is low in calories but has higher levels of vitamin A and folic acid than cabbage. Both have a very low-fat content, which is less than 1 gram. Meanwhile, cabbage also has high vitamin C and fiber, making it more suitable for dieting. In addition, it is also high in carbohydrates that which makes you feel full longer.
Now, it’s time to choose. Cabbage vs lettuce, which one is the most appropriate for your needs?
Source : Lettuce vs cabage