Half Cabbage

Woolworths Half Cabbage

  • Whole food
  • Checked
  • Grade C
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The short answer

Half Cabbage by Woolworths has 26 kcal, 3 g carbs, 1.2 g protein and 0.1 g fat per serving (Per 80 g serving).

Calories26kcal
Carbs3g
Protein1.2g
Fat0.1g
About it

Woolworths Half Cabbage is a versatile, low-calorie vegetable with a mild flavor and tender texture. It's ideal for endurance athletes looking to incorporate more fiber into their diet without adding significant calories. With only 26 kcal per serving (80 g), it provides 1.6 g of fiber and 3 g of carbohydrates. This makes it suitable for athletes aiming to maintain a balanced diet while managing weight. Due to its low carbohydrate content, it is not recommended as a primary fuel source during intense training or competition. However, it can be part of a balanced meal before or after workouts to support overall nutrition. The potassium content (300 mg per serving) can aid in electrolyte balance, especially for athletes with low sodium losses. It's best consumed as part of a meal several hours before or after exercise to avoid any potential gastrointestinal discomfort during high-intensity sessions.

  • Low-calorie, high-fiber option
  • Supports electrolyte balance
  • Versatile for meal inclusion

On the label per serving, Per 80 g serving

Energy109 kJ
Calories26 kcal
Carbs3.0 g
Sugar3.4 g
Fibre1.6 g
Protein1.2 g
Fat0.1 g
Saturated fat0.0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Sodium23 mg
Potassium300 mg

The numbers that matter on a training day

Carb density3.8%Carbs as a share of the food's weight: how hard it is on the gut at pace.
Glucose to fructose—Glucose with fructose lifts how much carb the gut can take in an hour.
Sodium per 100 kcal88 mgSalt for the energy it carries; sweat loses 300 to 600 mg an hour.
Energy density1.4 kJ/gEnergy you carry per gram, when grams in the pocket matter.
Servings for 60 g an hour20How many an hour for a 60 g carb baseline.
Glycaemic profileCabbage has a low glycemic index, meaning it has minimal impact on blood sugar levels. It is digested slowly, providing a gradual release of energy, which is not ideal for immediate energy needs during exercise.

How we read foods ›

For endurance who it suits

Endurance verdict

Woolworths Half Cabbage is a nutrient-dense, low-calorie option suitable for athletes looking to increase fiber intake without adding significant calories. However, its low carbohydrate content makes it unsuitable as a primary energy source during endurance events. It's best used as part of a balanced meal before or after training sessions, particularly for athletes focused on weight management or those with low sodium losses.

Who it is for

This product is best suited for endurance athletes who need a low-calorie, high-fiber option to incorporate into their daily meals. It's particularly beneficial for those focused on weight management or looking to increase dietary fiber without adding significant calories. Athletes who experience low sodium losses may find the potassium content helpful for maintaining electrolyte balance.

Best sessions

Best used during low-intensity sessions or as part of a recovery meal. It can be included in meals on easy training days or during periods of reduced training volume.

Pros
  • Low in calories, aiding weight management
  • High in fiber, supporting digestive health
  • Rich in potassium for electrolyte balance
  • Versatile in meal preparation
Cons
  • Low carbohydrate content unsuitable for fueling
  • Potential for GI discomfort if consumed in excess
  • Minimal sodium content for high sweat losses
Watch out for
  • Potential GI discomfort if consumed in large quantities
  • Low sodium content may not meet needs of high-sweat athletes

Fuelling science in short

During a session

Not recommended during workouts due to low carbohydrate content and potential for gastrointestinal discomfort if consumed in large quantities.

Glycaemic profile

Cabbage has a low glycemic index, meaning it has minimal impact on blood sugar levels. It is digested slowly, providing a gradual release of energy, which is not ideal for immediate energy needs during exercise.

Electrolytes

Contains 23 mg of sodium per serving, which is minimal compared to the 300-600 mg/hr loss in sweat. However, it provides 300 mg of potassium, contributing to electrolyte balance.

Carb breakdown
Total carbs
3 g
Hourly capacity
Limited due to low carbohydrate content

Race day before, during and after

Suits it for
  • BeforeDO NOT USE
  • DuringDO NOT USE
  • AfterCAUTION
  • Carb loadDO NOT USE
  • Every dayUSE

Pre-race and during-race use are not recommended due to the low carbohydrate content and potential for GI distress. Recovery use is possible when paired with protein and additional carbohydrates. Everyday training use is suitable for those seeking a low-calorie, high-fiber option.

NOT RECOMMENDED for pre-race use because of low carbohydrate content and potential for slow gastric emptying, which may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

Pair it with
  • Pair with lean protein for balanced recovery meal
  • Combine with whole grains for sustained energy
  • Add to smoothies for a fiber boost

For practitioners the evidence

Evidence grade: C — Limited direct evidence for endurance-specific benefits; recommendations based on general nutritional properties.

In a carb load

Cabbage has a low carb density of 4 g per 100 g, making it unsuitable for carb loading. A serving of 80 g provides only 3 g of carbohydrates, contributing minimally towards the 600 g daily target for a 70 kg athlete. The high fiber content may also lead to satiety before adequate carb intake is achieved, making it impractical for loading.

Digestion and absorption

Cabbage is digested slowly due to its fiber content, leading to a gradual release of glucose. Its low carbohydrate content primarily involves small amounts of glucose and fructose, absorbed via SGLT1 and GLUT5 transporters in the small intestine. The fiber may reach the colon, where it can be fermented by gut bacteria, potentially causing gas or bloating.

Recovery

Cabbage provides some carbohydrates for glycogen resynthesis but lacks sufficient protein to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. Its potassium content can aid in electrolyte replenishment, but it should be paired with protein-rich foods to enhance recovery. As a standalone, it doesn't meet the 1.0-1.2 g/kg/h carb target for optimal recovery.

Downsides

Cabbage's high fiber content may cause GI distress if consumed in large quantities, especially during exercise. It has a low sodium content, which may not meet the needs of athletes with high sweat losses. The low carbohydrate content may lead to inadequate energy availability if relied upon as a primary fuel source.

Don't use it when
  • Do not use as a primary carb source during intense training sessions due to low carb content.
  • Do not consume in large quantities close to exercise to avoid GI discomfort.
  • Do not rely on cabbage for sodium replenishment if experiencing high sweat losses.
Clinical risks
  • High fiber intake may cause bloating or gas if consumed in large quantities.
  • Low sodium content may not meet needs of athletes with high sweat losses.
  • Low carbohydrate content may lead to inadequate energy availability during endurance events.
  • Potential for GI discomfort if consumed in large quantities before or during exercise.

Questions about Half Cabbage

How many carbs are in Half Cabbage by Woolworths?

3 g of carbs per serving (Per 80 g serving), with 26 kcal and 1.2 g protein.

Can I eat cabbage before a race?

It's not recommended due to low carbohydrate content and potential for GI discomfort. Opt for higher-carb options.

How should cabbage be prepared for endurance athletes?

Cabbage can be steamed, sautéed, or eaten raw. Pair with protein and carbs for a balanced meal.

Is cabbage suitable for carb loading?

No, cabbage is not suitable for carb loading due to its low carbohydrate density.

Can cabbage cause gastrointestinal issues?

Yes, consuming large quantities may lead to GI discomfort due to its fiber content.

What are the benefits of cabbage for athletes?

Cabbage is low in calories, high in fiber, and offers potassium for electrolyte balance.

Is cabbage a good recovery food?

Cabbage can be part of a recovery meal when combined with protein and carbohydrates.

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