Cabbage: Health benefits, nutrition facts, recipes and side effects

Cabbage is one of the very nutritious vegetables from the crucifer family. It is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It protects against heart disease, cancer and fatty liver syndrome. Thanks to the high amounts of vitamins A, K and vitamin C, it is an immune system booster. It protects health of bones and skin. Because it is a rich in potassium, it keeps blood pressure in balance. It is a good source of fiber, so it helps to lose weight. It has cholesterol-lowering properties and prevents build-up of bad cholesterol. Cabbage, an alkaline vegetable, is rich in vitamin B6 and folate. It helps to get rid of toxic substances. Cabbage juice is good for hoarseness and anemia.

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Vitamins and nutrients contained in cabbage

It contains high amounts of C, K and vitamin A. It is also rich in essential vitamins such as pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2) and niacin (B3). It contains manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium and zinc minerals, especially sodium and potassium. It is a good source of soluble fiber.

Health benefits of cabbage

Cabbage and heart health

Cabbage is one of the very nutritious vegetable

Cabbage and cholesterol levels

It is a reservoir of phytochemicals called isothiocyanates. These antioxidant compounds are effective in reducing the level of bad cholesterol. Studies have shown that people experience a small but significant decrease in LDL cholesterol levels when they eat 2-10 grams of soluble fiber per day. It also contains phytosterol.

These are plant compounds that reduce LDL cholesterol by blocking the absorption of cholesterol in the digestive tract. It was found that the intake of 1 gram of phytoterol per day reduced LDL cholesterol by up to 5%.

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Cabbage and high blood pressure (hypertension)

Potassium in cabbage is an important mineral and electrolyte. It helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Potassium relaxes the blood vessel walls against the contracting effects of sodium on the body, and helps to get rid of it through the urine. The manganese found in the cabbage is also required for red blood cell formation.

Cabbage and cancer

Research has shown that anthocyanins and isothiocyanates in cabbage slow down the growth of cancer cells. In addition, high levels of vitamin C and sulforafan in it are being investigated for their anticancerous properties.

It has also been found that the sulforafan enzyme has the power to inhibit the harmful enzyme (HDAC), which is known to play a role in the progression of cancer cells. There are promising results in many types of cancers such as melanoma, breast cancer, esophagus, prostate, colon and pancreas.

Cabbage and immune and digestive system

Cabbage is a carbohydrate, full of intestinal-friendly insoluble fibers. Insoluble fiber promotes bowel movement, helps to keep the digestive system healthy, prevents constipation and increases the beneficial bacteria in the intestine.

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These bacteria maintain important functions such as protecting the immune system and producing some vitamins (such as vitamin K2, vitamin B12). Adequate fiber consumption facilitates the elimination of toxins through bile and feces. Its diuretic property provides the removal of toxins from the body. The bad odor that occurs when the cabbage is cooked is due to the sulfuric compounds that cause the digestive system to function properly.

Cabbage is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

Contains plenty of vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and antioxidant. It is an agent in the formation of the body’s collagen protein. Collagen is the protein-providing part of the skin and supports body tissues such as bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and allows them to connect with each other. Regular consumption of cabbage helps the body to develop resistance to infectious agents and prevents the formation of free radicals. 100 grams of white cabbage meets 40% of the daily vitamin C requirement.

Source of Vitamin K

Vitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin, plays an important role in the body. It is necessary for enzymes responsible for blood clotting. It is also beneficial for bone health and balances the amount of calcium in the body. It has been observed that individuals over 70 years of age maintain their verbal memory performance if they consume enough vitamin K. A serving of cabbage meets the daily need for vitamin K.

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Provides protection in radiation treatment

Blood values during radiation treatment were observed to improve. DIM is thought to have protective effects against cancer.

Cabbage and eye health

It contains antioxidants that prevent eye diseases. Its beta-carotene content provides benefit to eye health by converting to vitamin A. Vitamin A enhances night vision functions by strengthening the eyes and prevents aging of the eyes.

Cabbage and weight loss

It is a very low calorie vegetable, 25 calories per 100 grams. Consumed raw, the amount of calories is even less. It is rich in fiber as well as a fat burner when eaten raw and keeps the stomach full for a long time, making it an effective food for people on diet.

How to make cabbage juice?

Boil 1 liter of water, add 10 cabbage leaves, then keep boiling for 5 to 7 minutes with the lid closed. Get the leaves out when it cools down. You can drink this water twice a day.

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Benefits of cabbage juice

• It has anti-bacterial properties, it helps remove toxins.
• Mixing it with carrot juice is good for gum disease.
• Sulfur, chlorine and iodine, which gives the smell of cabbage, cleans the bowels.
• Regular consumption of cabbage juice or raw cabbage reduces cellulite.
• It helps women to discharge edema in their menstrual periods.

How to make purple cabbage juice?

Put half a liter of water into a saucepan. After boiling it, add 7-8 leaves of purple cabbage to the pan and keep boiling it. After boiling for about 10 minutes, remove the cabbage from water and allow to cool down.

Benefits of purple cabbage juice

• Purple cabbage cleans the skin.
• Makes blood.
• Accelerates blood circulation.
• Eliminates indigestion.
• Protects against flu infections.
• Removes phlegm and relieves inflammation.

How to choose and use your cabbage?

• When choosing it, make sure the leaves are bright.
• Do not choose those whose leaves have holes or outer leaves have been peeled.
• If it is loose-leafed, remove old and damaged leaves and rinse. If it is tight, peel off the outer leaves, wash and slice.
• Add vinegar to the water when cooking purple cabbage.
• Loose-leafed cabbages can be stored in a cool, dark place for a few days, while tight leafed ones can be stored for longer.

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Cabbage recipes

Cabbage soup

Ingredients

• 1 medium size white cabbage
• 2 carrots and 6 cups of water
• 4 medium size tomatoes and 2 large onions
• 1 bunch of parsley and 2 green peppers
• 40 gr. butter and 1 tbsp flour
• 1 teaspoon black pepper and 2 lemon juice

Pickled purple cabbage

Ingredients

• 1 purple cabbage
• 1 cup of grape vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sea salt
• 1 teaspoon of lemon salt

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Pickled white cabbage

Ingredients

• 1 medium size white cabbage
• 1 bottle of grape vinegar (1/2 liter)
• 1 liter water and 1 glass of salt
• 1 small cup of lemon salt and 4 cloves garlic

Stuffed cabbage rolls

Ingredients

• 1 medium size white cabbage
• 200 gr. ground beef and 2 medium size onions
• 2 cups of rice and Half cup of bulgur
• 1 tablespoon pepper paste and 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon black pepper and 2 table spoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of red flake pepper and salt

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Preparation of interior

Mix all the remaining ingredients in a bowl. Wrap as many cabbage leaves as you can with the mix. Place a few cabbage leaves on the bottom of the pot and then place the stuffed cabbage leaves onto them. You can cover the wraps with a plate so that they do not break apart. Add enough water to fill over the top and cook it until they get soft.

Fried white cabbage

Ingredients

• 1 small size white cabbage
• 2 medium size onions and 1 carrot
• Red flake pepper and black pepper
• 1/2 bunch of parsley and 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Side effects of cabbage

• Goiter patients should consult the doctor before consuming it.
• It may interact with drugs such as coumadin, warfarin etc.
• People with hypothyroidism and thyroid dysfunction should consume it carefully.
• Its excessive consumption can cause dehydration.
• It can cause intense gas and flatulence.
• Overconsumption of cabbage juice may cause irritation of urinary tract.
• People with diarrhea should not consume cabbage juice.
• It should not be used during pregnancy.