Red cabbage is a source of fiber and many vitamins. Its purple hue and bitter taste are the main signs that the vegetable has cancer-preventing properties. The bright color of this crop indicates a large amount of flavonoids, and the pungent aroma indicates the presence of sulfur-containing compounds. And it is these phytochemicals that make red cabbage special in its family.
What is red cabbage
Red cabbage is a nutritious vegetable that has gained popularity around the world for several reasons. Not only is it tasty and healthy, but it also has a bright appearance - unlike the usual white cabbage, the leaves of this variety are colored red-violet.
Content:
- What is red cabbage
- Nutritional value and chemical composition
- Benefits of Red Cabbage
- Possible contraindications
- When cabbage is medicine
- Use in cosmetology
- Use in cooking
Red cabbage belongs to the cruciferous family. There are several versions regarding the origin of this vegetable. Some researchers suggest that the first red heads appeared somewhere in northern Europe, others claim that in China. But no matter where the first red-purple cabbage grew, its closest relative still remains white cabbage. But unlike it, purple cabbage does not come early; only late-ripening varieties of the vegetable are known. This crop is very hardy: it is not afraid of cold weather (it can withstand even short-term frosts) and tolerates heat well, but is demanding on moisture. The heads of cabbage of this crop are often spherical, sometimes oval, but always very dense and large (some can weigh up to 3 kg).
And now an interesting fact. For many agronomists, red cabbage serves as a natural indicator of soil acidity. Depending on the pH level, the shade and color saturation of the vegetable leaves will also be different.
Description of culture
This variety of cabbage is characterized by a red-violet, bluish color of the outer and inner leaves, which is caused by the presence of plant pigments - anthocyanins.
The leaves are large with wavy or smooth edges and a smooth surface. The root system is weakly branched and fibrous.
A plant of the cabbage family, a biennial plant that forms a head of cabbage in the first year and a powerful flowering stem the next year. It is on this that seeds are formed. The culture is cross-pollinating. The head of cabbage is formed from an overgrown apical bud.
The fruit is tightly twisted, depending on the variety it can be oval, round or even teardrop-shaped, such as the Calibos variety.
Nutritional value and chemical composition
A serving of red cabbage is only 28 kilocalories, about 1 gram of protein and a tenth of that gram of fat. But this bright vegetable contains a lot of fiber, which makes it very beneficial for the digestive system. In this context, it should be said that recently doctors all over the world have been sounding the alarm: in the daily diet of a modern person, the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables, and therefore fiber, has significantly decreased. This fact is called one of the leading causes of gastrointestinal diseases, especially intestines. Hence the advice: eat more cabbage, including red cabbage.
Scientific research indicates that red cabbage contains almost the same anthocyanins as chokeberries and other dark-colored berries. Thanks to them, red cabbage is able to protect a person from cancer and early aging, as well as remove toxic substances from the body. Fresh cabbage is recommended to be included in the diet of people exposed to harmful environmental influences or who use drugs. This same vegetable can protect against the influence of cigarette smoke and UV radiation.
One of the main reasons for the popularity of this cabbage is its unique chemical composition. The vegetable contains a large amount of phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. This type of cabbage is a good source of vitamins B, C, A, K, and contains calcium, manganese, magnesium, iron, and potassium.
Protein
We all know that the best sources of protein are meat, fish and dairy products. And many people don't even realize that red cabbage is also a good source of protein, superior to many other vegetables.
Vitamin C
The best known source of ascorbic acid is citrus fruits. And now it will come as a surprise to many that cabbage also belongs to the list of foods that should be consumed to replenish vitamin C reserves.
Ascorbic acid is one of the most powerful antioxidants that the human body needs to resist various types of inflammation, as well as the effects of free radicals. Regular consumption of adequate doses of vitamin C can protect a person from many diseases, including disorders of the cardiovascular system. In addition, vitamin C is necessary for the body to produce collagen - a substance responsible for the elasticity of the skin, the strength of ligaments and muscles, the health of bones and most internal organs. Lack of collagen, including those caused by vitamin C deficiency, can cause poor wound healing, rapid aging and wear and tear of the body. A sufficient amount of vitamin C in the body is the key to a strong immune system, since ascorbic acid stimulates the production of white blood cells, which serve as a barrier to infections and pathogenic bacteria entering the body. And red cabbage is one of the best sources of this vitamin.
Vitamin A
Red cabbage supplies the human body with vitamin A. This substance is known to be essential for the proper functioning of the eyes. In this cabbage variety it comes in 3 different forms: beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. Beta-carotene sharpens vision, lutein is responsible for the adequacy of nerve impulses, and zeaxanthin has antioxidant properties that protect the retina. Working together, these substances prevent age-related macular degeneration. By the way, purple cabbage contains almost 4 times more carotene than white cabbage.
Vitamin K
This useful component is responsible for the blood clotting reaction. 7 different types of proteins take part in this process, but without a sufficient amount of vitamin K, their performance decreases significantly. In addition, bone tissue also needs vitamin K, as this nutrient promotes bone mineralization. Studies have shown that vitamin deficiency increases the risk of osteoarthritis, atherosclerosis and cancer several times. And to protect yourself from these troubles, you just need to eat a serving of red cabbage salad every day.
Vitamin B
Vitamins of this group are also included in the chemical composition of red cabbage.
This means that regular consumption of this vegetable will protect against dry skin, brittle nails, hair loss, disorders of the nervous system, as well as liver diseases. Nutritional characteristics per 100 g
| Calorie content | 25 kcal |
| Squirrels | 1.44 g |
| Fats | 0.27 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5.43 g |
| Cellulose | 2.3 g |
| Vitamin C | 31 mg |
| Vitamin B1 | 0.05 mg |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.04 mg |
| Vitamin B3 | 0.3 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.96 mg |
| Vitamin B9 | 43 mcg |
| Vitamin A | 133 IU |
| Vitamin K | 0.11 mg |
| Calcium | 47 mg |
| Magnesium | 15 mg |
| Phosphorus | 23 mg |
| Sodium | 18 mg |
| Potassium | 246 mg |
| Iron | 0.6 mg |
| Zinc | 0.18 mg |
| Selenium | 0.9 mcg |
Benefits of Red Cabbage
After many studies, scientists claim that red cabbage is a very healthy product for humans. It is believed to be one of the healthiest vegetables for slowing down the aging process. She is credited with the power to fight cancer, improve the condition of the skin and eyes, promote weight loss, strengthen the immune system and bone tissue, and cleanse the body of toxins. And on top of all this, red cabbage is believed to be useful for preventing diabetes, improving the condition of the heart and blood vessels, slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease, and also for treating ulcers. Does this cabbage really have all these beneficial properties? It's time to take a closer look at this bright vegetable.
Prevents cancer
Red cabbage, as a typical representative of cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi and others belong to the same family), is an excellent source of sulfur-containing components known as glucosinolates. By the way, it is these substances that give the raw vegetable a bitter taste.
Once in the body, glucosinolates are converted into isothiocyanates, which are known by scientists for their properties to reduce inflammation and fight bacteria. The red pigment of the vegetable is, as already mentioned, flavonoids no less useful for humans. Researchers have reason to believe that these substances inhibit the activity of carcinogens, thereby significantly reducing the risk of cell mutation.
Several laboratory experiments have already confirmed that consuming cruciferous vegetables reduces the risk of becoming a victim of cancer by more than 2 times.
Benefits for weight loss
Low-calorie red cabbage is an excellent choice for a diet menu. Without containing many calories, this vegetable will provide the body with many important minerals and vitamins. The rich amount of fiber helps keep you full for longer.
Slows down the aging of the body
There are a number of reasons to consider red cabbage a vegetable that prevents early aging. In particular, antioxidants protect the body from the effects of free radicals. Thanks to this, there is every chance of maintaining freshness, elasticity and firmness of the skin for a long time. In addition, antioxidants prevent the appearance of age spots and wrinkles. The rich supply of vitamin A found in red cabbage is also beneficial in preventing skin aging, not least by protecting against harmful UV rays.
Protects against ulcers
This vegetable contains the amino acid glutamine. The thing about this amino acid is that it is essential when it comes to reducing pain and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract caused by ulcers. Herbalists believe that red cabbage juice is one of the best home remedies for treating peptic ulcers.
Prevents Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease is one of the most well-known diseases that affects people in old age. Although researchers say with horror that the disease has begun to “get younger.” But there is also good news. It turns out that red cabbage juice has powerful properties to prevent this disease. Perhaps the most important research and discoveries regarding the relationship between red cabbage and the prevention of Alzheimer's disease are yet to come. This is perhaps the only thing that is known for sure: red cabbage contains anthocyanin substances (which give cabbage its characteristic red hue), and they prevent the formation of plaques in the brain that impair memory and cognitive abilities.
Bone mineralization
The high concentration of minerals makes red cabbage one of the best vegetables for bone mineralization. This means that it is important for people prone to frequent fractures, children during periods of rapid growth, the elderly and women after menopause to include large portions of red cabbage in their diet. Calcium, magnesium, manganese and many other minerals enter the body in impressive quantities with a plate of nutritious coleslaw. And proper bone mineral density is the best prevention of osteoporosis, arthritis and many other diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Possible contraindications
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Some people may experience flatulence and indigestion when consuming cabbage. But if dysfunction in the stomach is caused by white cabbage, this does not mean that the same result will be from red cabbage or broccoli. By the way, Indian Ayurveda, to facilitate the digestion of cabbage, recommends cooking it with garlic, onion or ginger in olive oil, rich in vitamin E and fatty acids. But the combination of several varieties of cabbage in one dish can increase the unpleasant effect in the form of indigestion or flatulence. Also, raw cabbage is contraindicated for duodenal ulcers.
It is also important to know that red cabbage is on the list of goitrogenic foods, the consumption of which inhibits the body’s absorption of iodine. And this is fraught with the development of iodine deficiency.
Like other cruciferous vegetables, red cabbage has the ability to absorb purines from the soil, which, when entering the human body, are converted into uric acid. Excessive consumption of vegetables can be dangerous for people with kidney disease, since their bodies are not able to fully remove excess uric acid. And this is a direct path to the development of gout.
Salad "Kaleidoscope"
Bright, crispy cabbage goes perfectly with corn, canned green peas, and crunchy carrots. A couple of drops of lemon will add sourness, and a little olive will make the salad unusually tender. This combination can conquer the most capricious picky eaters!
Products for salad:
- Red cabbage (half a medium fork)
- Corn - 1/2 can.
- Green peas - 1/2 jar.
- Carrots (medium) - 1 pc.
- Lemon (juice) - 1/2 pcs.
- Olive oil - 5-6 tbsp. l.
- Sesame oil - 1 tbsp. l.
- Greens (dill and parsley, to taste)
Let's start cooking:
Shred the cabbage so that it releases the juice - knead it with your hands. Peas and corn are added to the cabbage. Carrots are chopped on a coarse grater and added to the salad.
Everything is seasoned with lemon juice, olive and sesame oil. The almost finished salad is complemented with chopped herbs.
This quick-to-prepare salad will surprise you with its extraordinary taste.
When cabbage is medicine
The rich chemical composition also determines the wide range of medicinal properties of red cabbage. Even in ancient Rome, this vegetable rich in phytoncides was used to treat bronchitis and lung diseases. The medicine was prepared from honey and cabbage juice.
Nowadays, herbalists advise eating red cabbage to strengthen capillaries and protect against leukemia. It is believed that dishes made from this vegetable help remove toxic substances from the body, protect against radiation and even prevent the occurrence of tuberculosis. Red-purple cabbage juice is beneficial for people with hypertension and certain vascular diseases, and also accelerates wound healing. By the way, fresh leaves of the vegetable, which have antibacterial properties, are also suitable for treating wounds and bruises. They can be applied to injured areas to relieve pain and swelling and stop bleeding.
Cabbage leaves are also used in folk medicine to treat mammary glands. In particular, our great-grandmothers believed that cabbage compresses helped with hardening in the breasts (mastopathy). But doctors are skeptical about this practice.
Herbalists advise drinking a little red cabbage juice before the feast. They say this will protect against rapid intoxication, and later, against a hangover. And all because the juice of this vegetable has the ability to neutralize alcohol. And if you rinse your mouth with pure juice, you can get rid of bleeding gums.
How to make blue cabbage salad - 18 varieties
- Quick blue cabbage salad
- Blue cabbage salad “Favorite”
- Blue cabbage salad with walnuts and pomegranate juice
- Blue Ocean Salad
- Blue cabbage salad with croutons
- Salad “March 8” or “Beauty is a terrible force”
- French red cabbage salad
- Vitamin salad of red cabbage with apples
- Salad "Virtuoso"
- Red cabbage salad with egg pancakes
- Salad “Fairytale Snow Maiden”
- Blue Cabbage Salad with Tuna and Peas
- Salad "Kaleidoscope"
- Blue Cabbage Salad with Peppers
- “0 calorie” red cabbage salad with original dressing
- Blue cabbage salad. Delicious preparations
- Salad “One cabbage, two cabbage...”
- Turkish blue cabbage salad
Use in cosmetology
Red cabbage juice is a great beauty product. You can’t make a face mask out of it, especially if you still have to leave the house that day. But even drinking juice as a drink can have a positive effect on the condition of the skin of the face and body. A drink rich in nutrients will help improve skin color, make it soft and tender. But in addition to the skin, teeth and nails will also benefit from the juice. And dark-haired people can rinse their hair with cabbage juice, slightly diluted with water. From such procedures the hair will be soft and shiny.
