Can spinach and purple cabbage be eaten together?

Apr 14, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Spinach and purple cabbage can be eaten together, but it is important to consume them in moderation. Spinach is rich in various nutrients such as carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, iron, coenzyme Q10, and offers benefits including vision protection, relief from anemia, and stimulation of gastrointestinal motility. Purple cabbage contains abundant amounts of vitamin C, vitamin E, B-complex vitamins, anthocyanins, and dietary fiber.

Generally speaking, spinach and purple cabbage can be consumed together, but it's important to eat them in moderation. The detailed explanation is as follows:

  

Spinach is rich in various nutrients, including carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, iron, coenzyme Q10, and more, offering benefits such as protecting vision, alleviating anemia, and promoting gastrointestinal motility. Purple cabbage contains abundant vitamin C, vitamin E, B-complex vitamins, anthocyanins, and dietary fiber, providing antioxidant, anti-aging effects and helping prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Combining spinach and purple cabbage can make the nutrition more comprehensive. For example, both are rich in vitamin C, which helps boost immunity. Anthocyanins in purple cabbage and carotenoids in spinach both have antioxidant properties, making their combined antioxidant effect even better. However, it is important to consume them in moderation. Overconsumption of spinach may increase the gastrointestinal burden and potentially elevate oxalic acid levels in the body, affecting calcium absorption. Purple cabbage contains thiocyanate, which may inhibit the thyroid's absorption of iodine if consumed excessively.

Spinach contains oxalic acid and should be blanched before consumption to remove some of the oxalic acid, avoiding interference with calcium absorption. At the same time, purple cabbage should not be cooked for too long to prevent damage to its nutrients. For individuals with weakened gastrointestinal function, such as the elderly, children, and those with digestive disorders, it's important to consume these vegetables in moderation and cook them until tender to aid digestion and absorption. Additionally, individuals allergic to spinach or purple cabbage should avoid consuming them.

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