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The Best Way to Eat Cabbage to Avoid Farting (and Why You Should Eat More)

Cabbage has long been labeled “fart food,” but that reputation doesn’t tell the full story. If gas is your concern, the best way to enjoy cabbage is cooked. Cooking breaks down tough fibers and sulfur-containing compounds that can otherwise cause bloating and discomfort when eaten raw. Long, slow cooking methods—like braising or simmering in broth—make cabbage gentler on your digestive system. A simple sauté with garlic and a splash of broth, or a slow cook with kielbasa and caraway, is both satisfying and gut-friendly.

But don’t let the gas factor scare you off—cabbage is a low-calorie, high-reward vegetable that brings a ton of health benefits. It’s rich in vitamin C (great for your immune system and skin health), vitamin K (essential for bone health and blood clotting), and folate (crucial for brain function and fetal development during pregnancy). Red cabbage in particular is packed with anthocyanins—antioxidants that help fight inflammation and may lower the risk of heart disease.

Cabbage also supports digestion with its high fiber content, which helps regulate your gut and promote a healthy microbiome. It’s considered a prebiotic food, meaning it feeds the good bacteria in your gut. Plus, it contains glucosinolates—natural compounds being studied for their potential cancer-fighting properties.

And here’s the bonus: cabbage is one of the most affordable, long-lasting veggies out there. A single head costs just a few bucks, lasts weeks in the fridge, and stretches across multiple meals. 

It’s incredibly easy to grow in a home garden. Whether you’ve got raised beds, containers, or a small backyard plot, cabbage thrives in cooler weather, doesn’t require much space, and can yield a generous harvest.

Cabbage might have a reputation—but when prepared thoughtfully, it’s a nutrient-dense, budget-friendly, home-growable superstar that deserves a spot on your plate.

Fly Fart-Free: 3 Foods and Drinks to Avoid on a Plane

Want to avoid bloating unwanted germs and gas? Flight attendants say your in-flight diet might be to blame! Here are three things you should skip next time you buckle up.

1. Tap Water (Including Coffee & Tea)

That cup of tea might come with an unwanted side of germs. Flight attendant Sue Fogwell, who flew for 22 years, warns that airplane tap water—used for coffee and tea—comes from notoriously dirty water tanks. In a 2004 EPA study, 13% of sampled planes had coliform bacteria, with some even testing positive for E. coli! If you need a caffeine fix, grab a soda or pre-bought coffee from the terminal.

2. Gas-Inducing Foods

Want to avoid becoming the reason your seatmate keeps turning toward the window? Former flight crew member Josephine Remo advises against eating bloat-causing foods like beans, onions, broccoli, and lentils. Due to changes in cabin pressure, your stomach expands mid-flight, making gas-prone foods even worse. Even carbonated drinks can add to the discomfort. Stick to light, easy-to-digest meals instead.

3. Bloody Marys

Sure, tomato juice tastes better in the sky, but that Bloody Mary could leave you feeling extra puffy. Fogwell warns that the high sodium content leads to bloating and dehydration. If you can’t resist, alternate with plenty of water to keep your body balanced.

For a comfortable, gas-free flight, choose wisely—and maybe save the beans for after landing!