What is cabbage useful for: vitamins, beneficial properties and contraindications

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-18 00:50

In garden culture, white cabbage has been grown for many millennia. Scientists believe that people have cultivated this plant, which belongs to the cruciferous family, already in the Stone Age.

Types of cabbage

Different species may differ in their biochemical composition and properties. For example, a red-headed product is rich in vitamin C, the content of which is 4 times higher in comparison with a white-headed relative. Beijing, Brussels and broccoli differ in their composition. Let's talk about the beneficial properties and contraindications of the most common cabbage species.

Chemical composition of vegetable

To determine the usefulness of cabbage, you need to look at its chemical portrait. It is rich in useful trace elements:

Name	Amount in 100 g of cabbage, g (% DV)
Proteins	1, 8 (2, 2)
Fats	0, 2 (0, 31)
Carbohydrates	4, 7 (3, 67)
Dietary fiber	2 (10)
Water	90, 4 (3, 53)
Vitamins: A E С B1 B2 B6 B9	0, 000003 (0, 25) 0, 001 (1) 0, 045 (75) 0, 00003 (3) 0, 00007 (5) 0, 0001 (1) 0, 000022(10)

Useful vegetable and rich in minerals:

Name	Amount in 100 mg
Potassium	300
Calcium	48
Magnesium	16
Sodium	13
Phosphorus	37
Sulfur	31

This is not a complete list. From what vitamins cabbage contains, its medicinal properties also depend:

• anti-inflammatory;
• painkillers;
• anti-sclerotic;
• expectorants.

Inclusion in the daily diet of fresh vegetables, as well as dishes from it, is indicated for a number of diseases. That is why it can be found in so many diets.

How useful is cabbage for various diseases?

High protein content makes the vegetable one of the leaders in the garden. Valuable amino acids (threonine, lysine, methionine) stimulate the thyroid gland and adrenal glands. The use of fresh leaves has a positive effect on the process of hematopoiesis, as well as the regeneration of damaged tissues.

Fresh cabbage contains a valuable substance - vitamin U (methylmethionine). It is necessary for the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers. Vitamin K helps restore normal metabolism, forms he althy bones and teeth, and is involved in the functioning of the liver. The good keeping quality of the vegetable in winter is largely due to the high content of vitamin C, which helps to strengthen the immune system.

Since there is very little sucrose and starch in cabbage leaves, they are included in the diabetic menu. Both fresh and cooked, the vegetable stimulates the active production of gastric juice. The increased content of dietary fiber (fiber) contributes to normal intestinal motility, which is extremely important for hemorrhoids and constipation. What cabbage is useful for is the ability to cleanse blood vessels of cholesterol. This is an effective and gentle prevention of atherosclerosis.

Fresh cabbage for a beautiful figure

The problem of excess weight has many solutions, one of them is diet. There are several popular nutritional schemes based on cabbage. The calorie content of the vegetable is very small - only 27 kcal. However, nutritionists warn that weight loss is not due to fat burning. Weight goes away by excretionexcess fluid, and bowel cleansing.

The result of the diet depends on what vitamins are in cabbage. Retinol supports the he alth of hair, skin, nails. Calcium strengthens bones and teeth. Potassium is essential for the he alth of the cardiovascular and nervous systems. This is why cabbage diets, when used in moderation, do not harm the appearance.

Losing 6kg in 10 days is real. The cabbage mono-diet will help. It is allowed to use a vegetable in any form and quantity (within reasonable limits), without adding sugar, s alt, animal and vegetable fats. Flour products, alcohol, any sweets are also prohibited. Upon completion, you can repeat the diet no sooner than after 2 months.

Sour or not?

The process of lactic fermentation turns a fresh vegetable into a ready-made, tasty and he althy dish. It is part of the national recipes of many peoples of the world. At the same time, various nuances are introduced into the classic recipe. For example, in the north of our country, an additional ingredient in the form of fresh cranberries is popular. In Siberia, carrots are added. In China, they definitely season with dill seeds and pepper, cumin.

The benefits of sauerkraut in the high content of valuable acetic and lactic acids, vitamins. In the stomach and intestines, it is able to destroy colonies of pathogenic microbes, supporting the microflora necessary for digestion. Many doctors are convinced that the most useful cabbage is sauerkraut, especially homemade. Usually, each housewife has her own special recipe.

How to cook?

The easiest recipe is the following. Leaves without a stalk are crushed (chopped, chopped, rubbed on a coarse grater, etc.). Then crushed by hand or crush. Add s alt (possible with spices). It is important that the juice comes out. The resulting mass is put into containers for sourdough: glass jars, tubs, basins, barrels. Cover with a lid and put oppression on top (a stone, a container of water). The finished product is stored in a cool place (up to + 4 °С).

Storage dates are strictly observed. At a temperature of +1-4 °C, the product in wooden barrels remains fresh for 8 months. However, in glass containers under the same conditions, you can store a maximum of 15 days. Due to the simplicity of the process, it is recommended to prepare the dish in small portions and consume it quickly.

What is the benefit?

Almost everyone can find valuable properties in a dish familiar from childhood. The benefits of sauerkraut inspire respect:

1. Stimulates the digestive process.
2. Eliminates congestion in the intestines, normalizes peristalsis.
3. Strengthens the immune system, especially in winter.
4. Helps cure scurvy, makes gums and teeth stronger.
5. Reduces inflammation in the mouth.
6. Has a slight anthelmintic effect.
7. Releases blood vessels from cholesterol.
8. Normalizes the work of the pancreas.
9. Helps get rid of the symptoms of toxicosis in pregnant women.
10. Stimulates appetite.
11. Increases efficiency, invigorates.
12. Good for the prostate.
13. Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
14. Serves as a prevention of oncological diseases of the breast, lungs, digestive organs.

Few foods can compare to her. The benefits and harms of cabbage for the body are still the subject of close attention of scientists and doctors around the world. Even brine is widely used as an effective remedy for dehydration. Many people drink sauerkraut juice to eliminate a hangover. Adults and children can gargle with it during a cold.

Can everyone or not?

Unfortunately, the list of contraindications to the use of sauerkraut also exists. Doctors categorically forbid including it in the diet if the patient has:

1. Increased acidity of gastric juice.
2. Acute disease of the pancreas.
3. Reflux esophagitis.
4. Gastritis.
5. Kidney failure.
6. Gallstones.
7. Stomach ulcer.
8. High blood pressure.
9. Lactation (babies experience colic after mother's milk from eating sauerkraut).
10. Heartburn.
11. Meteorism.

After completing the course of treatment, you should listen to the doctor's recommendations. If the ban remains, then it cannot be violated. In each case, the benefits and harms of cabbage for the body are assessed comprehensively.

He althy Recipes

In the cuisine of the peoples of the world there is a huge number of options, technologies, methodscooking this vegetable. It is good on its own, and in combination with other plants, meat, cereals, spices. For many, cabbage pies are a favorite everyday or holiday dish.

Here are the TOP 5 recipes that preserve the maximum of useful properties and vitamins:

1. Juice. Good fresh and canned product. It is best to use a juicer. If it is not there, then you can use the ancient technology: grind the leaves and put them under the press. After 2-3 hours, the juice will drain to the bottom of the container and will be ready to drink.
2. Salad. You can use any fresh vegetables and herbs in combination with cabbage. You need to be guided by your own taste preferences. Any dressing is suitable: vegetable oil, sour cream, soy sauce, mustard.
3. Stuffed cabbage. Minced meat wrapped in leaves with rice can be boiled, baked, stewed. They use a sauce made on the basis of meat broth, tomato paste, milk - for every taste.
4. Sauerkraut.
5. Soup puree. Additional ingredients: potatoes, onions, carrots, herbs, tomatoes, garlic. Vegetables are boiled until tender, s alted, seasoned with spices. Then, together with the broth, grind with a blender.

Knowing how useful cabbage is, it's hard to resist not to cook it. When buying, be sure to pay attention to the quality of heads of cabbage. There should be no spots or damaged leaves. Bon appetit!