Benefits of red cabbage
Red cabbage is very popular among those who adhere to the principles of a healthy diet. Purple-leaf cabbage is similar to white cabbage in many ways, but there are differences in the composition of these vegetables. Thus, red contains a record amount of sulfur-containing compounds and flavonoids among all representatives of the Cruciferous family.
Chemical composition, calorie content and nutritional value
Red cabbage contains 4 times more vitamin A than white cabbage. It contains vitamins B, C, E, K, PP, U, H.
The vegetable is rich in minerals:
- phosphorus;
- calcium;
- iodine;
- iron;
- potassium;
- sodium;
- manganese;
- zinc;
- selenium
Folic acid contained in vegetables is required for normal intestinal function. and proper hematopoiesis.
Calorie content of red cabbage - 26 kcal per 100 g. The nutritional value:
- proteins - 0.8 g;
- fats - 0.2 g;
- carbohydrates - 5.1 g;
- fiber - 1.9 g.
The vegetable contains phytoncides and anthocyanins. They strengthen the walls of blood vessels, fight fungi and bacteria, and reduce inflammation in the intestines.
Benefits of red cabbage
General beneficial properties of vegetables:
- prevention of the development of osteoporosis;
- prevention of tuberculosis;
- improved vision;
- cleansing blood and skin;
- diuretic effect;
- prevention of cancer;
- antibacterial effect;
- elimination of mild insomnia;
- neutralization of toxins after drinking alcoholic beverages.
What is useful for women
Since ancient times, women have used cabbage leaves as compresses for the appearance of benign tumors in the chest area. Indeed, cruciferous vegetables can help prevent cancer: they contain a precursor to sulforaphane, a substance with antibacterial and oncoprotective properties. However, the richest source of this compound is broccoli sprouts.
The vegetable is used for burns, ulcers and diseases of the musculoskeletal system.. If osteochondrosis is diagnosed, cabbage leaves are smeared with laundry soap and applied to the diseased vertebrae.
Red cabbage is used for skin care. It helps get rid of various age spots on the face, including freckles. For this purpose, ointments and masks are made based on the leaves.
During pregnancy the vegetable has a positive effect on the immune system of the expectant mother, improves the condition of hair and skin. The high content of vitamins and minerals is beneficial for the fetus.
When breastfeeding the product is not recommended for use - it will irritate the baby’s digestive system and can cause allergic reactions.
What are the benefits of purple cabbage for men?
The presence of flavonoids and the precursor sulforaphane in the composition prevents the development of prostate cancer.
Anthocyanins improve blood circulation and prevent oxidative stress, nutrients nourish the body. Daily consumption of various vegetables, including red cabbage, reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, which men are especially susceptible to, increases the body's resistance, and improves potency.
Advice! When used externally, cabbage helps relieve muscle pain after workouts.
Men over 40 often have problems with the genitourinary system. When consumed regularly, red cabbage reduces inflammation in the kidneys and bladder or prevents their manifestation.
Possible harm and contraindications
In addition to its benefits, red cabbage can cause harm to the body. There are a number of contraindications for its use:
- individual intolerance;
- duodenal or gastric ulcer;
- exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases;
- disorders of the thyroid gland.
In some cases, red cabbage can lead to negative consequences:
- Due to the high content of potassium, iron, sulfur and magnesium Sometimes flatulence and bloating occur. These substances can cause cramps in the intestinal walls.
- Eating vegetables may increase blood pressure, so hypertensive patients should consume fresh cabbage with caution.
Cabbage Do not use if you have pancreatitis.
What can you cook with purple cabbage?
Compared to white cabbage, purple or red cabbage is a little tougher, but it retains nutrients better.. The vegetable is suitable for preparing salads, juices and pickling.
Juice
Preparation:
- Remove the top leaves and stalk from the head of cabbage.
- Cut into pieces large enough to fit into the juicer.
- Pass through a juicer.
Juice can be stored for no more than 3 days and only in the refrigerator.
Used as a medicine for such problems:
- Frequent colds. Add 1/2 tbsp to 150 ml of product. l. beet juice. Take 1 time per day for a month, 1 hour before meals.
- Heart and vascular diseases. Mix cabbage juice 1:1 with celery juice. Drink 2 times a day, before meals, for 1-2 months.It is important to consult your doctor first.
- For joint pain. 3 g of currant leaves pour 1 tbsp. boiling water and leave for 4 hours. The finished infusion is mixed with 150 ml of cabbage juice. The resulting product is drunk for 2-3 weeks, 150 ml 1-2 times a day.
- For bronchitis. Drink 150 ml 3-4 times a day when heated.
Salad
Cabbage is used to make a light and tasty salad, which is perfect as a side dish for meat. For preparation you will need:
- 500 g cabbage;
- 200 g green peas;
- 4 cucumbers;
- greenery;
- salt, sugar, sunflower or olive oil and apple cider vinegar - to taste.
How to cook:
- Shred cabbage as small as possible. It is better to use a special shredder, which allows you to get thin and uniform strips.
- Rearrange the straws into a bowl, add salt and stir.
- Slice cucumbers thin bars. It is better not to grate them, as they will lose a lot of juice. Tear the greens into large pieces with your hands.
- Mix all ingredients, add peas without brine. Season the salad with oil, sugar and vinegar to taste.
Pickled red cabbage
Preparation according to this recipe It will only take 3 hours. After this, the snack is immediately ready to eat. She perfect with potatoes, fish or meat.
Ingredients:
- red cabbage - 0.5 kg;
- garlic - 3 cloves;
- carrots - 1 large;
- apple cider vinegar - 50 ml;
- salt and sugar - 1 tbsp. l.;
- spices - to taste.
Preparation:
- Chop the cabbage with a knife as thin as possible. Grate the carrots on a coarse grater. Add chopped garlic and salt to the resulting mass. Mix everything thoroughly, but do not grind.
- To prepare the marinade Pour 250 ml of water into a saucepan, add sugar.Add any spices, such as bay leaf or allspice. Bring the marinade to a boil and cook for about 2 minutes. Pour in apple cider vinegar. After boiling again, remove the mixture from the gas and pour it over the cabbage.
The dish is allowed to cool, then put in the refrigerator for a few hours.
How to use the bottom leaves of red cabbage
The lower leaves are used for joint pain, especially the knees.
To do this, immerse the leaves in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then cool slightly. Apply to the sore spot as a compress and wrap it in a towel to retain heat.
This method is used as an additional measure in treatment arthrosis, arthritis, tendinitis and other joint diseases.
Which cabbage is healthier: red or white cabbage?
For fresh use, it is recommended to take blue or red cabbage, since it contains 2 times more vitamin C than cabbage cabbage, and 4 times more carotene. Anthocyanins, which give bright color, strengthen blood vessels and make them more elastic. Vegetable suitable for canning and second courses.
White cabbage contains fewer nutrients, but its leaves are softer. They are best used for first courses and pickling.
Conclusion
Red cabbage is recommended to be included in the diet of all people, except small children, as it negatively affects the gastrointestinal tract that is not yet strong. Using equal amounts of white and red cabbage is healthier than using just one of them.