White cabbage: useful properties and contraindications

Such a vegetable as white cabbage is used in various dishes. It also has a number of useful properties, which allows you to use it and for the preparation of remedies for folk medicine. White cabbage is a treasure trove of vitamins, nutrients and minerals.

What is the difference between red cabbage and white cabbage?

Both white cabbage and red cabbage can be found on store shelves. They differ not only in color, but also in their composition.

Studies have shown that it is red cabbage that has more vitamin C in its composition. It also contains more other vitamins and minerals.

Which is healthier

As a result of the fact that red cabbage has more minerals and vitamins, it is a more useful product than white cabbage. But both products will bring invaluable benefits to the body if consumed correctly.

Composition and Calories

Studies have shown that among the many vegetables, cabbage is the record holder. It contains a huge amount of minerals and vitamins. In its composition are present:

1. B vitamins. This is a fairly extensive group that includes many vitamins. All of them are involved in almost all processes of the body, support the nervous system and immunity.
2. Vitamins E and A. They are essential for vision.
3. Vitamin C. Is the basis for immunity. The daily rate of the substance is contained in 200 grams of product.
4. Methionine. Quite a rare substance that can not be found in all products. It is one of the components of proteins and is involved in the proper functioning of cells.
5. Calcium. Participates in the construction of bone tissue.
6. Magnesium. Necessary for muscle growth.
7. Iron. Its deficiency leads to anemia (anemia).

In addition, cabbage contains such substances as zinc, manganese, selenium, sulfur, amino acids, glucose, phosphorus, dietary fiber.

Such a composition allows you to use the cabbage and in folk medicine to treat a number of diseases. It is widely used in cosmetology for hair restoration, maintaining the youthfulness of the skin.

White cabbage, among other things, belongs to the products with a small number of calories. There are only 28 kcal in 100 g of the vegetable.

What are the benefits of white cabbage

General benefits

Due to its chemical composition, the vegetable has many useful properties. These include:

1. Purification of the body. Regular consumption of the product allows you to remove all the toxins, cholesterol and harmful substances, which significantly reduces the load on the liver.
2. Reducing the risk of atherosclerosis. The disease occurs as a result of the deterioration of the blood vessels, resulting in impaired circulation. Cabbage contains substances that help maintain vascular tone.
3. Maintaining normal glucose levels. Cabbage is used by healers as a means to prevent the development of diabetes, and can also be used in the presence of this pathology.
4. Strengthening and maintenance of immunity. Cabbage contains a significant number of vitamins, including C.
5. Positive effect on the work of the liver and gallbladder. This is achieved due to the content of certain substances.
6. Reducing the risk of developing gout. The pathology manifests itself in the form of deposits of salts in the joints, which impairs motor activity. Cabbage contains substances that allow you to destroy crystals and remove them from the body.
7. Preventing the development of cancerous neoplasms, as well as tumors of benign type.
8. The removal of painful sensations. Cabbage leaves are used in folk medicine to relieve headaches and other types of pain.

The vegetable helps to maintain the work of the myocardium, is recommended for patients suffering from heart disease, and is an excellent prevention of such pathologies.

For women

White cabbage is known for its dietary properties. With its proper use, women can not only maintain weight, but also lose a few extra pounds. The product is included in many diets. At the same time, it promotes the process of digestion, removes harmful substances from the body.

Cabbage contains a sufficient amount of folic acid, which has a positive effect on the functioning of the reproductive system. And the sulforaphane content is an excellent prevention of breast cancer.

The product is also widely used in cosmetology. On the basis of the pulp and juice is made a lot of masks for skin and hair.

For men

Cabbage is also useful for the male body. First of all, it is known for its properties to increase libido and potency.

It also includes special substances that support the cardiovascular system. According to studies, it has been found that men suffer from heart disease more often. Its use is a good prevention of heart attacks, strokes.

It allows you to maintain stamina, belongs to the popular folk remedies for hangovers and cleanses the body of harmful substances.

In pregnancy

This vegetable will also be beneficial during pregnancy. Cabbage not only supports metabolic processes, but also is an excellent protection against viruses, colds due to the content of vitamin C. In addition, it contains folic acid, which is necessary in the early stages of pregnancy for the proper development of the neural tube of the fetus and its further formation.

But expectant mothers need to know that the product, if consumed in significant quantities, causes flatulence and bloating. Experts recommend that pregnant women eat boiled or sauerkraut.

When breastfeeding

During the period when a woman is breastfeeding, cabbage is especially useful. This is due to the fact that it, thanks to its properties, allows you to get rid of such an unpleasant symptom as a feeling of tightness in the chest.

Cabbage juice also has a positive effect on the process of milk production, and the nutrients and trace elements it contains will benefit the baby's body.

It is important to remember that the product can cause allergies in a newborn. If symptoms appear, it is necessary to refuse to use cabbage.

For children

Experts say that the product can be introduced into the child's diet from one and a half years. Until this age, cabbage is not well absorbed by the body, which causes colic and diarrhea.

All the substances that make up the cabbage are useful for a child. They are required for the smooth functioning of the nervous system, strengthening bone tissue and muscle growth. Often children accept such a product well enough in the diet, as allergies are caused by cabbage in exceptional cases.

When losing weight

White cabbage is a low-calorie product. That is why it can be safely used in dietary diets. In addition, it promotes the removal of toxins and impurities, gets rid of cholesterol, which clogs vessels and causes circulatory disorders.

In the absence of contraindications, dietitians recommend arranging days of discharge, in which the menu consists of dishes based on cabbage. But you should not abuse the product, as its excessive consumption can lead to serious consequences.

Is the core of a cabbage useful?

In the middle of the cabbage is the core. Usually it is thrown away. But it contains a huge amount of vitamins and minerals, especially in fresh cabbage. It is better not to eat the core from an old cabbage, as it is quite hard.

Benefits and harms of boiled cabbage

The white cabbage perfectly tolerates the heat treatment and even after exposure to high temperatures it still has a sufficient number of useful substances.

So, cooked cabbage, which is usually included in soups, will also bring invaluable benefits to the body. The positive properties include:

1. Increased immunity. Fresh cabbage contains vitamin C, which is necessary for maintaining the performance of defenses. Even after boiling, its level decreases slightly. With the regular use of cooked cabbage, the body will be protected from viruses, flu, colds.
2. Relieving inflammatory processes. This property is due to the presence of antioxidants, which do not break down after exposure to high temperatures.
3. Maintenance of the gastrointestinal tract due to the presence of fiber.

Consequently, white cabbage should be eaten in boiled form. It will bring as much benefit as the fresh product.

But boiled cabbage can cause harm to the body if you eat it in the presence of gastritis, ulcers, infectious diseases of an acute nature. In addition, when using the product in large quantities, there is a bloating of the stomach, and diarrhea can also appear.

Fried cabbage: benefits and harms

One of the popular dishes is fried cabbage. Despite the fact that vegetable oil is used in the cooking process, roasted cabbage is just as useful as fresh cabbage. This is due to the fact that most of the minerals even after exposure to high temperatures do not disappear anywhere. The useful properties of the dish include:

1. Slowing the process of formation of subcutaneous fat due to the content of tartronic acid.
2. Increased immunity. Vitamin C and antioxidants support the immune system and keep viruses from spreading through the body.
3. Normalization of digestion. This is due to the presence in the composition of methylmethionine.
4. Improvement of metabolism, condition of the skin, restoration of hair structure. This property is due to the content of vitamin B2.
5. Expansion of vascular walls, their strengthening. This helps to normalize blood circulation and is the prevention of a number of diseases.
6. Normalization of cholesterol levels. Thanks to this property, the risk of heart attacks and strokes is reduced. They occur as a result of blockage of blood vessels by cholesterol plaques.
7. Prevention of constipation. Fried cabbage contains a sufficient amount of fiber, which supports the normal process of digestion.

In women, roasted cabbage, like fresh cabbage, helps to prevent the development of malignancies of the mammary glands.

But such a dish can also harm the body. Fried cabbage should not be eaten in the presence of gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, hyperacidity of the stomach. The dish in these cases becomes the cause of deterioration of the condition, the occurrence of pronounced symptoms.

Useful properties of cabbage juice

Cabbage juice is also very popular in dietary nutrition, because it:

1. Has a hemostatic, healing and diuretic effect.
2. Draws out toxic substances, which is aided by fiber. In addition, it helps to eliminate minor intestinal disorders.
3. Restores the mucosa of the digestive system.
4. Helps to cope with hemorrhoids and colitis, gastritis with low acidity.
5. Eliminates coughs. Such a property is achieved by adding a small amount of honey to the cabbage juice.
6. Eliminates the signs of ulcers, having an enveloping property.
7. It strengthens hair, nails and normalizes the complexion. The juice squeezed from cabbage contains large amounts of calcium and magnesium, the very elements that make up hair and teeth.

Healers use the juice and leaves to heal wounds and even deep cuts. The sap is used to make a remedy that is an excellent cancer preventative. It is said that with its help it is possible to get rid of cancer.

White cabbage in medicine

Cabbage can be included in the diet in the presence of certain diseases. Due to its properties, it helps to alleviate the main symptoms, improve the overall condition.

In case of diabetes mellitus.

White cabbage can be included in the diet of patients suffering from diabetes. Despite the fact that it contains glucose, it does not affect blood sugar levels due to the presence of inactive carbohydrates. Those patients who have diabetes can eat no more than 200 grams of cabbage per day.

Important: The glycemic index of cabbage is 10-15 units.

In pancreatitis

In cases where pancreatitis is established, you need to eat cabbage only in the period of remission. This is due to the fact that the product includes coarse fiber and essential oils. They have a negative effect on the state of the mucosa and cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating.

Patients with diagnosed pancreatitis are recommended to eat cabbage during the remission period only in boiled or baked form. It can be included in soups.

When the patient's condition is stable for some time, fresh cabbage and sauerkraut can be introduced into the diet, if it is not sour. But they should be used in small quantities, so as not to provoke an aggravation.

The possibility of eating cabbage will be prompted by the attending physician after the study, based on the patient's general condition and the course of the pathology.

Gastritis

In folk medicine, there are several recipes based on cabbage juice. They are used to treat gastritis. Due to its properties and significant content of useful microelements, cabbage juice allows you to normalize the work of the gastrointestinal tract, has enveloping properties.

But to use cabbage in any form during the acute phase of the disease is strictly forbidden. During remission, it helps to improve immunity, eliminate inflammation, improve motility and eliminate constipation.

If cabbage is consumed improperly in the presence of gastritis, ulcers can occur and the overall condition of the patient will worsen.

For the intestines

Cabbage has a number of beneficial properties for the intestines. In the absence of certain diseases, it will help to maintain its work, improve immunity and eliminate minor irregularities in the functioning of the organ.

Use it for prevention purposes should be in limited quantities.

For constipation

Such a delicate problem as constipation bothers many people, especially pregnant women and patients with a sedentary lifestyle. Treatment can be carried out without the use of medicines.

In order to eliminate constipation, it is enough to introduce cabbage-based dishes and fresh vegetables into the diet. It will normalize the process of digestion and eliminate the problem.

In case of gout.

In the case where the decrease in motor activity is caused by the development of gout, cabbage will help to cope with unpleasant symptoms. In this case, it is consumed both in fresh form and used as compresses.

Due to its properties, it will help to remove toxins and other harmful substances that accumulate in the joints and limit motor activity.

Cabbage in Cosmetology

White cabbage has found its place in cosmetology as well. Today a large number of recipes are used that help restore the natural complexion, slow down the aging process, activate collagen production and cope with various skin and hair problems.

Cabbage is used in cosmetology due to the fact that it contains a huge number of vitamins and minerals. All of them have a positive effect on the epidermis, hair, improve cellular metabolism.

For face

Regular use of remedies based on cabbage and its juice will help to significantly improve the appearance of the skin, return a normal complexion. Several recipes are popular:

1. For any type of skin. Pour a glass of water over the cabbage leaves and bring to a boil. Cool the resulting decoction and strain with gauze. Soak a cotton swab in the solution and wipe the skin of the face and neck twice a day. The product will help to cleanse the skin, return its natural color, softness and elasticity.
2. For oily skin. In order to eliminate oily sheen and normalize the sebaceous glands, it is recommended to use a remedy made on the basis of cucumber and cabbage juice. Take them in equal quantities, mix and the resulting solution to wipe your face in the morning and evening.
3. With enlarged pores. A remedy made of cabbage juice is used to tighten pores. Squeeze it out with a high squeezer. Rub the skin 10 minutes before the morning wash.
4. For the removal of age spots. Not many women like freckles, and age spots on the face is a significant cosmetic defect. You can also remove them with the juice of Sauerkraut. Apply it to a napkin or cotton swab, wipe the skin where there are pigment spots. You can also make a mask. Soak a napkin in the juice, squeeze it slightly and put it on your face for 10 minutes. Then wash your face with cool water.

Washing and masks are recommended to do for 15-25 days, and then make a break. After the first course is already noticeable significant improvement.

For hair

Hair, like the skin, needs additional support. They also need nutrients, trace elements and vitamins, as they contribute to the softness and silkiness of the strands.

The following recipes can be used at home:

1. Nourishing balm. Helps to restore dry hair. To make it, you will need 50 grams each of nettle, burdock and cabbage. All pour 400 ml of milk and put on the fire. Boil everything on low heat until all the leaves are soft. Decoction cool and squeeze through gauze. Add lemon juice in an amount of 20 ml. Balm to apply massage movements, rubbing into the scalp. After half an hour, rinse and rinse your hair with egg yolk.
2. From loss. With the help of a juicer you need to squeeze spinach and cabbage so that you get 200 ml of juice. In it add a couple of spoons of tomato juice, 20 ml of vegetable oil. Stir everything and rub into the scalp. Distribute a thin layer of balm over the entire length of the hair. To do this, you need to use a comb. After 2 hours, rinse the product.
3. To restore the structure. Balm is used to restore damaged hair. To prepare it, you will need 100 grams each of parsley and cabbage leaves. All put in a pot, pour 500 ml of boiling water. Then simmer on a low heat. Remove from the heat 5 minutes after boiling. Leave in a closed container for 2 hours. Add the decoction to the water with which you rinse your hair. Use every time you wash your hair for a month.

Hair requires care, and the means prepared according to these recipes, will help to significantly improve their condition, restore the structure. In addition, such means provoke the occurrence of allergies in exceptional cases.

Harm and contraindications

Cabbage, despite its many positive properties, can also cause harm. It should not be consumed in the presence of certain contraindications. These include:

1. Thyroid diseases. The product contains iodine in significant quantities. Before introducing it into the diet, you should consult a doctor.
2. Ulcer in the period of exacerbation and inflammatory process affecting the tissues of the duodenum. Consumption of cabbage can cause a worsening of the condition, further spread of the pathological process.
3. Gastrointestinal disorder. In this case, cabbage should be eaten only in boiled form.

Also with excessive consumption, the product can cause temporary blurred vision. It passes on its own and does not require treatment. Specialists do not recommend eating white cabbage in the presence of problems in the sexual sphere.

In cases where the doctor recommended to limit the intake of salt, then the cabbage should be thoroughly rinsed before cooking. Proper use of the product in moderation will bring invaluable benefits for the body and will not harm it.

How to choose and store

For maximum benefits, it is important to choose and store cabbage correctly. When buying, you should pay attention to several factors:

1. Size. You do not need to buy too large cabbage heads. It is better to opt for a medium-sized one.
2. Appearance. There should be no rotten spots on the surface of the sprout. To the touch it should be dense and not soft. If it is not planned to cook it immediately, it is better to buy a sprout without dents and other damages.
3. The cut. It should be white in color.
4. Smell. Pleasant, fresh, without any admixture of rot.

Store cabbage in its whole form should be in the refrigerator. There it can be stored for up to 6 months. In this case, the temperature can not exceed 0 degrees. The cabbage will begin to spoil or sprout when the temperature is more than 4 degrees.

The right cabbage will not only keep longer, but also bring invaluable benefits to the body.

Can I freeze it

Many housewives wonder if it is possible to freeze cabbage. The vegetable perfectly tolerates low temperatures, but it is not recommended to store it in the freezer. The thing is that after defrosting it will lose its taste and crunch. This product is more suitable for making soups or vegetable stews. In other dishes, such as salad, it is not suitable.

Green leaves of white cabbage can be stored in the freezer. After pruning, they are carefully washed, cleaned, placed in plastic bags and stored as a whole. They can be used to prepare stuffed cabbage rolls. In this case, they practically do not lose their useful properties.

How much cabbage can I eat per day?

Despite the fact that cabbage has many useful properties, helps to replenish vitamins and minerals, it should be consumed in limited quantities.

Specialists say that you can safely eat about 200 grams of the product in any form per day. At the same time, it is better to reduce the daily rate for pregnant women to 100 grams.

Also in limited quantities, the use of cabbage is necessary for patients suffering from chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The daily dose for them is not more than 100 grams.

Can I eat at night?

Dietitians do not recommend eating cabbage in any form before bedtime. This is due to the fact that it contains substances that activate the digestive process. In addition, the use of cabbage at night can cause diarrhea, bloating and flatulence.

You can eat cabbage no later than 4 hours before going to bed. This is the only way for your body to assimilate it.

Is it possible to eat the core of a cabbage?

Experts are still arguing about whether the core is useful or can cause harm. On the one hand, it contains special substances called nitrates. They have a negative effect on all organs and systems, can cause poisoning.

But on the other hand, the core contains many vitamins and minerals. It contains significant amounts of calcium, magnesium and potassium, as well as vitamin C.

Thus, it is difficult to answer the question of whether it is possible to eat a cow's ear. Experts say that you can eat only the core from the fresh cauliflower of small size.

What can be cooked from white cabbage: recipes

From cabbage prepare many dishes, both first and second. Also the product is used to prepare pies, casseroles, salads. Here are a few popular recipes.

Salad "Vitamin".

A simple salad that is prepared in a few minutes. You will need cabbage, carrots and canned peas. Shred the cabbage, grate carrots on a coarse or medium grater. Mix everything, add the peas. Add salt to taste, and as a dressing use vegetable oil.

Lazy cabbage rolls

A popular dish that also cooks quickly and can be a great dinner or lunch. To cook them, you will need the following ingredients:

• minced meat - 400 grams;
• egg;
• flour;
• one onion;
• salt;
• cabbage.

Thaw the stuffing, add chicken egg, chop onion and cabbage. Mix everything thoroughly, add flour, salt to taste. Stuffing should be thick enough, so that the cakes do not fall apart. Make cabbage rolls and fry them in vegetable oil on both sides.

They can be served with different sauces and with any side dish. A vegetable salad would be ideal.

Sauerkraut

It can be consumed after 3-4 days or left for the winter. Shred 2 kg of cabbage finely and mash with your hands. This is necessary so that she gave the juice. 500 grams of carrots are washed, peeled and grated. Mix and salt everything. Put them in an enamel bowl, cover with horseradish leaves and put a weight on top. Pierce the cabbage daily with a knife to release accumulated gases. After 4 days, place in glass jars and cover. Store in the refrigerator.

Cabbage Pie with Puff pastry

Cabbage can also be used to make a pie. The dough can be purchased in the store. It is better to take puff pastry without flaky. You will also need half a small cabbage and 3 boiled chicken eggs. Shred the cabbage and fry in vegetable oil until golden brown. Chop the eggs, add them to the cabbage and mix together. Thaw the dough, gently roll out and divide into two parts. Put the first one on a baking tray greased with vegetable oil. Put the filling on top and cover everything with the second part of the dough. Cover the edges and put the tray in an oven heated to 180 degrees for 30-40 minutes.

Cabbage is ideal with meat dishes, as a diet food. It goes well with many seasonings. It cooks quite quickly, especially fresh. The right cabbage has a pleasant flavor and aroma.

Why fresh white cabbage is bitter

After choosing the perfect cabbage, many housewives wonder why cabbage is bitter after cooking. There can only be two reasons for this:

1. Natural. It is worth considering that there are certain varieties that have a slight bitterness. The unpleasant taste also occurs when there is a significant concentration of glycosides. They are usually concentrated in the spikes and green leaves.
2. Growing mistakes. Many gardeners make mistakes when growing cabbage, which lead to the appearance of bitterness. It occurs with a lack of certain micronutrients or excessive use of fertilizers. Also causes bitterness by infrequent watering. That is why you should consider the weather conditions and water the cabbage in time. It should not be planted next to peppers, as this will also lead to the appearance of bitterness.

Thus, it is important to follow the rules of planting and caring for cabbage. This will significantly reduce the appearance of an unpleasant taste.

Can I Give Cabbage to Animals

Cabbage brings benefits to the human body, but can be harmful to animals. Giving the vegetable to dogs and cats in its fresh form is strictly prohibited. It can be included in soups.

Cabbage can be given to rodents. It is their favorite treat. Its content of sufficient minerals and vitamins helps to maintain the health of the pet and its immunity.

Interesting facts about cabbage

White cabbage is a well-known vegetable. But not everyone knows a few interesting facts about the product:

1. Experts are still arguing about the place of cabbage's origin. It is believed that it appeared in Asia. But scientists can't say for sure.
2. Sauerkraut is several times healthier than fresh cabbage. Its properties are preserved for 10 months.
3. The word "cabbage" comes from "kaputum". This is an ancient Greek word meaning "head." It is believed that it received its name because it is similar in appearance to the head.
4. On garden plots grow not only varieties suitable for food, but also decorative ones. They come in a variety of colors.
5. According to the law of New Jersey (United States) cabbage can be traded on any day of the week, but not on Sunday. In West Virginia, it is forbidden to sauerkraut. This is because the process produces an unpleasant odor that can disturb neighbors.
6. Cabbage consists of 90% water.
7. The benefits of sauerkraut also lies in the presence of lactic acid. It has a positive effect on the intestinal microflora, maintaining and restoring the number of beneficial microorganisms.
8. In 100 grams of fresh white cabbage contains more than half of the norm of vitamin C needed for an adult.

Thus, cabbage is quite an interesting vegetable, which is a must-have in the beds of any gardener.

White cabbage is one of the record products for the content of useful substances. It is widely used in the preparation of various dishes, including baking and salads. It is also suitable for twists for the winter.

Because of its properties, it found use in cosmetology. Means, prepared from it, help to prolong youth and maintain the natural beauty. Cabbage is also used in medicine to eliminate certain symptoms and improve your condition. It is important to consume it correctly and in moderation, so that it does not harm the body.

Photo of white cabbage