Red cabbage: benefits and harms

Red cabbage is a vegetable that is very popular among people who monitor their diet. This product is similar to white cabbage in its structure and appearance, however, there are some differences between these species in the composition. The taste of red cabbage is somewhat pungent, confusing it with something else is almost impossible. Despite the large number of useful properties, red cabbage is not so common in our country, it is much more common in states in northern Europe, as well as in Asia.

What is the difference between white cabbage and red cabbage

The first difference, which cannot be overlooked, is, of course, the color of these types of vegetables. White cabbage is called so because its leaves have the usual white color, red cabbage - purple. Moreover, there are differences in the chemical composition of varieties of cabbage. So, red-headed has in itself more vitamin C, which is good for the human body. In addition, this type of cabbage contains a large amount of protein. Due to its chemical properties, red cabbage retains its freshness for much longer and does not deteriorate.

There are a considerable number of varieties of cabbage, but red cabbage deserves special attention, since it is a real source of useful substances that strengthen the body. Often it is used in various folk recipes as one of the medicines. For example, the juice of this vegetable is used as a medicine for stomach ulcers. And fiber, which is contained in cabbage, helps the body get rid of excess unnecessary substances. Also, if you compare red cabbage with white cabbage, you can find that it contains four times more carotene.

The cost of red cabbage is higher. There are several reasons for this difference:

1. Red cabbage ripens longer than white cabbage, as a result of which it needs longer care.
2. Red cabbage contains a large amount of a special substance - anthocyanin, which gives it a specific color. Moreover, thanks to the same substance, the vegetable has special taste properties that directly affect the popularity of the culture and, accordingly, its cost.
3. Red cabbage has a positive effect on the composition of human blood, which further increases its demand.
4. Red cabbage has a number of medicinal properties, so that the purchase of a vegetable increases significantly.

There are some differences in the conditions under which varieties of cabbage are grown. So, red cabbage ripens for a longer period of time - an average of 160 days. Due to its higher density, red cabbage is somewhat more resistant to various diseases. You can plant it in open ground not earlier than the end of May. The sprouts of this culture are planted at a closer distance than is usually the case with white cabbage. Between each bush there must be about 25 centimeters, between ridges - about 40. As for the other features of cabbage care, in general there are no differences between the species.

What is more useful

Each type of cabbage is useful in its own way. It is necessary to use them depending on the goals and condition of the body.If you prefer to eat raw cabbage, then it is better to use red cabbage, as it contains a large number of substances that can remove harmful substances from the body and generally improve digestion. The presence of red cabbage in the diet will improve the functioning of many organs and even entire body systems. In addition, red cabbage is perfect for second courses, as well as various kinds of winter preparations.

White cabbage has softer leaves, so it is great for making cabbage rolls. Also, this vegetable is a necessary ingredient in the composition of first courses, namely in cabbage soup, borsch and other soups. Fermented cabbage is very useful. Its juice is able to improve bowel function and increase the body's immune defense.

Composition and calorie content

A big plus for everyone who adheres to a diet or just keeps track of the figure will be that red cabbage contains only 29 calories per 100 grams. Of course, in terms of nutrition, cabbage is inferior to more nutritious and high-calorie foods, but for those losing weight this is a real gift. It can be eaten without restriction on a diet both raw and boiled or stewed. In addition, the presence of a light protein in terms of assimilation of protein is a big plus.

Red cabbage does not contain a large amount of fat, per 100 grams of the product they are only 0.1 grams.

Red cabbage also contains carbohydrates - 7 grams, but 2.5 of them are special dietary fibers that are not digested in the gastrointestinal tract. These fibers, while in the stomach, increase in volume, after which they very gently remove the accumulated mucus and toxins from the intestines. In addition, these same fibers remove radionuclides and heavy metals.

The composition of red cabbage can be called rich, since it also contains a considerable amount of vitamins A, C, group B and PP.

In addition, the composition contains beta-carotene and mineral components:

• iron;
• potassium;
• selenium;
• magnesium.

Thanks to all these substances, red cabbage is recommended to be used to increase the elasticity of the capillary walls and the elasticity of vascular tissues. Phytoncides and anthocyanins in the composition also help to increase immune resistance.

What is useful red cabbage

For women

For women, red cabbage is very useful, since from ancient times the sheets of this plant are recommended to be used as compresses in the presence of benign tumors in the chest area. In addition, there is a widespread belief that eating red cabbage as a food contributes to the late onset of menopause.

According to experts, these are not the only beneficial properties of cabbage for women. The list also uses the vegetable for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, ulcers or burns. If a woman suffers from osteochondrosis, she needs to apply cabbage leaves to the unhealthy vertebrae, previously lubricated with grated laundry soap. In the case of burns, fresh leaves applied to the sore spot at night will help.

It is also appreciated by women that red cabbage is an excellent helper for preserving beauty and skin care. For example, this vegetable helps to combat age spots on the face, including freckles. To eliminate them, it is necessary to make various masks from cabbage leaves, prepare juice and whether to mash and apply them on the face. Special cabbage baths, which are prepared using brine, can get rid of irritation. Only one cup of brine will be enough for the bath.

For men

For men, red cabbage is also very useful. For example, it is known that it helps to protect the male body from the development of prostate cancer. In principle, this vegetable has the general property of protecting a person from the development of cancer, but some special cases can be considered. It is believed that red cabbage helps improve potency in men.It is important to understand here that it does not directly affect potency, but due to many of its beneficial properties it has a beneficial effect in this area of ​​male health.

Red cabbage is useful for male athletes, as it helps to get rid of muscle pain. If you have regular training, then by the presence of cabbage in the diet you will definitely say thank you. Often men suffer from various diseases of the genitourinary system. In this case, cabbage also helps to eliminate various inflammatory processes in the bladder or kidneys. This vegetable can be eaten in the absence of problems with the genitourinary system for prevention.

During pregnancy

During pregnancy, red cabbage is also very useful. She is able to increase immune defense, strengthen teeth, hair and improve skin, therefore she will help the expectant mother to endure such a difficult time for her body without any losses. In addition, cabbage leaves, as mentioned earlier, are rich in trace elements. The presence of this vegetable in the diet will allow you to abandon a number of bioactive additives.

When breastfeeding

When breastfeeding, red cabbage, as a rule, is not consumed, since it can provoke an unpleasant reaction of the baby’s fragile digestive system. Moreover, an unfamiliar vegetable can provoke the appearance of an allergy, which is also very undesirable, since it is more difficult to get rid of this ailment of a child than an adult.

For children

For children, cabbage is as useful as for adults, but at an early age it should be given with caution. This is due to the fact that a child’s body can hard digest cabbage, both red and white.

In general, if a child normally tolerates this vegetable, it will definitely not be superfluous in the diet, since red cabbage definitely benefits the children's body:

1. It makes the immune system stronger and more stable.
2. It helps the baby to concentrate better, be more attentive and generally activate the brain.
3. Improves the functioning of muscle tissue.
4. Contributes to bone formation.

Before giving the child cabbage, you should first consult with a specialist so as not to harm the young body. It is believed that red cabbage can provoke the appearance of diathesis in the baby. This statement is very controversial, but an allergy to this vegetable can occur in both a child and an adult.

When losing weight

With weight loss, red cabbage becomes an indispensable tool. This is primarily due, of course, to the low calorie content of the vegetable. In fact, cabbage can be eaten in almost any amount, it does not harm the figure. Moreover, since any diet is always a limitation, the body during such periods loses a number of trace elements and dietary fiber. Red cabbage due to its rich composition allows you to survive this time with minimal losses.

Any balanced diet includes salads, stews and sauerkraut. The use of this product will allow you to abandon a number of dietary supplements. The most useful cabbage dish is a salad with a small amount of sunflower oil. You can also make cabbage salad with vinegar, but such a dish should be eaten only if there are no stomach problems.

Is red cabbage juice good for you?

Like cabbage itself, its juice also has a number of useful properties, which is why it is recommended for use even by some doctors. There are many useful properties of red cabbage juice:

1. The regular use of such juice helps strengthen the walls of blood vessels, in particular capillaries. For this reason, cabbage juice becomes indispensable for bleeding, as well as in the case when, in principle, the capillary vessels in the body are quite fragile.
2. Since cabbage juice contains special substances - anthocyanins and phytoncides, this product is able to remove radionuclides from the body. A big advantage is that with the help of cabbage juice you can fight tuberculosis, since the substances in its composition negatively affect the causative agent of the disease - tubercle bacillus. The same substances can stop the development of protein.
3. You can use red cabbage juice to treat bronchitis and other throat diseases. It is better to mix it with honey, then it will remove the hoarseness in the voice and will be more effective.
4. Since cabbage contains substances that can relieve inflammation, cabbage juice can be used as a mouthwash for problems such as bleeding gums or other inflammatory processes.
5. You can use red cabbage juice and for external use as a liquid for compresses, it will allow to remove inflammatory processes and have a healing effect. This drug has long been used, including for the treatment of pneumonia.
6. With the help of red cabbage juice, you can fight insomnia. In this case, it is also recommended to add a decoction of cabbage seeds to the juice.

Folk recipes with red cabbage

Red cabbage is used in herbal medicine and traditional medicine, as it is known for its beneficial properties. An important advantage for therapy is the absence of any contraindications for external use of cabbage products. Only in rare cases can an allergic reaction occur with external use. In the case of the use of drugs based on cabbage inside, some reactions of the body may occur, however, if they are quickly detected, any side effects can be minimized.

There are many different folk recipes using cabbage juice to treat a variety of diseases:

1. If the patient suffers from bronchitis or just a strong cough, you can prepare an infusion of red cabbage. The recipe is very simple to prepare, but no less effective. To create a medicine you will need to finely chop about 100 grams of cabbage leaves, then pour this mixture with a glass of boiling water. Received insist for one hour. Then strain and consume three times a day until complete recovery. In the event that it does not get better, but, on the contrary, only gets worse, treatment must be stopped and an urgent need to see a doctor. It is important to understand that broth and juice are two different things, and it is unlikely that you can replace one with another. Juice is slightly better in its effectiveness.
2. With high blood pressure, a variety of red cabbage dishes can help. Moreover, people suffering from hypertension are also advised to regularly drink cabbage juice. As a rule, the duration of treatment in this situation is 2 weeks, it is recommended to drink 1 cup of cabbage juice per day. Be sure to control the pressure level, so as not to lower it too much. For patients whose pressure, on the contrary, is lowered, it is not recommended to drink cabbage juice too often and drink too much, dishes with cabbage should also be consumed in moderation.
3. Compresses from red cabbage will save from various abrasions and bruises. You can cook them in two versions. Firstly, you can grind the leaves of cabbage, getting gruel from them. Next, attach this mixture to a sore spot and fix with a bandage on top. Or you can use whole leaves as a compress, fixing them with a regular elastic bandage. Previously, you can slightly steam the leaves, this will also give an additional effect.
4. To eliminate joint pain, you can prepare a therapeutic drink, which will include not only red cabbage, but also blackcurrant leaves. To prepare, you must first take 7-8 leaves of currant, rinse them and pour a glass of boiling water. This mixture is infused for four hours. After the resulting drink is filtered, eliminating the leaves, and then mix the liquid with cabbage juice, 150 ml will be enough. Such a medicine should be consumed daily, twice a day, approximately 150 ml. The duration of therapy can be from two to three weeks. Further, if the disease still remains, after consultation with the attending physician, you can continue the course.
5. Red cabbage is also used to treat cardiovascular diseases. In this case, the medicine is prepared using hawthorn. For cooking, you need to take 2 grams of hawthorn flowers, pour them with a glass of boiling water and leave for 20 minutes. Then strain and dilute with a glass of cabbage juice. The resulting medicine can be taken for a week and a half, once a day.
6. If you need to strengthen the immune system, you should prepare a drink from the juice of cabbage and beets. Mix these ingredients in equal proportions and consume once a day as needed. You can also strengthen the immune defense with the help of an infusion based on rosehip berries and cabbage leaves.
7. Red cabbage is an excellent means of preventing cancer of various kinds. To protect yourself from cancer, you should use a special recipe. First you need to take 100 grams of red cabbage, as well as 80 grams of avocado. Finely chop these ingredients, then add chopped nuts to them. Mix all this thoroughly with 40 grams of honey and put in the refrigerator. Take this remedy should be half an hour before meals for a month.

Harm and contraindications

Despite the large number of useful properties, red cabbage, like any product, has a number of contraindications and can even harm the body. It is not recommended to use red cabbage in the following cases:

• peptic ulcer of the stomach or duodenum;
• intolerance to this product;
• exacerbation of any diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• any dysfunctions of the thyroid gland.

It is important to understand that the use of red cabbage can entail some consequences:

1. High amounts of magnesium, sulfur, iron, and potassium in cabbage can cause bloating and flatulence. In addition, these components can provoke convulsions of the intestinal wall.
2. In the case of frequent consumption of red cabbage, a noticeable increase in blood pressure is possible, for this reason hypertensive patients should use this product with extreme caution.
3. It is strictly forbidden to eat red, and indeed any cabbage with pancreatitis.

How to choose and store

In order for red cabbage to be preserved as long as possible, it is necessary to choose the head of cabbage correctly. Firstly, they must weigh at least a kilogram and be quite dense. It is easy to verify this, you just need to put pressure on it, the head should not lose his shape. The leaves of a cabbage head should have a bright pronounced purple hue. Remove vegetables for storage before the onset of the first frost. At the same time, it is very important to leave about 2-3 surface leaves on heads of cabbage, they will serve as a kind of protection against various kinds of damage and even diseases. It is important that vegetables to be stored are dry. If necessary, they must be dried.

Photo of red cabbage

It is best to store cabbage in the cellar.To keep it fresh as long as possible, it is necessary to prepare the room in advance, to disinfect it. The heads themselves are best placed in special drawers, on shelves, or even hanged with the help of something. The temperature in the cellar should vary from -1 to +1 degrees. Humidity should be at least 90%, but not more than 98%. Subject to these conditions, cabbage can be stored for about 3 months.

Recommendations for use

First of all, it is necessary to check all the contraindications for the use of red cabbage that are available. This is necessary so that there is no discomfort after using the product. If there are no prohibitions, you can eat cabbage in various forms in the same quantity as any other products. It is believed that it is best to use cabbage in the form of salads, as well as sauerkraut.

What can be prepared from red cabbage

Red cabbage is wonderful in that you can cook a huge number of different dishes from it. In addition to being perfectly used in sauerkraut and stew as additives to main dishes and side dishes, you can also make a lot of salads from it, for example, from cucumbers, cheese and cabbage. To begin with, red cabbage is thinly cut into strips. Next, grate the cheese and cut the cucumbers into thin strips. Add finely chopped greens and mayonnaise or sour cream to the resulting mixture. Mix all the ingredients well and season with salt and pepper to your taste.

Can rabbits be given red cabbage

Feeding rabbits with red cabbage is not recommended, since this vegetable can cause bloating in animals, and in case of frequent use, generally provoke the development of a special disease - gastrointestinal stasis. For rabbits, it is better to use white cabbage, its composition is more suitable for pets.

Interesting facts about cabbage

Despite the fact that cabbage has long been used by people for food and is a fairly popular vegetable, there are things that are surprising:

1. No one can name the specific homeland of cabbage; it is simply unknown.
2. There is a legend about the origin of cabbage. It says that a few drops of sweat rolled down from the head of the god Jupiter - that is how this vegetable appeared.
3. Experts say that sauerkraut is much healthier than fresh cabbage.
4. Previously, people seriously considered red cabbage a plant of sorcerers.
5. Red cabbage is an excellent natural colorant. Using its juice, you can stain dough for baking, boiled eggs and even pastry cream.

Red cabbage is not only remarkable for its many useful properties, but also for interesting facts.

Photo of red cabbage