It is difficult to find a person who does not eat fresh vegetables, in particular cabbage. This plant product occupies a dominant position in the diet of every second resident of our country. The following varieties are most popular in Russia: white, cauliflower, broccoli, and red cabbage. Their benefits have been carefully studied and tested over the centuries.
In today's publication, we will talk about red cabbage, which differs from other varieties in bright colors. Not many people are aware of the healing properties and biochemical composition of this vegetable crop. We will try as much as possible and in detail to provide complete information about this interesting and extremely useful plant for our body. In addition, we describe a couple of fortified recipes.
When to harvest and how to choose a vegetable in the market?
I would like to clarify that all subspecies of cabbage came from a wild plant. True, each of them has a slightly different vitamin-mineral complex. Each subspecies is planted at different times of the year. Red cabbage, the benefits and harms of which scientists have always been interested in, tolerates frosts and does not require special care. However, to obtain a high-quality and good harvest, it is necessary to regularly loosen the soil, water, spud and feed.
This cabbage is loved by many amateur gardeners. Crops begin to be harvested as they mature, depending on the species. Later varieties are harvested in the fall - in early October. Then cleaned in the basement. The plant is stored for a long time, less rotting, unlike its relative - white cabbage.
Those who are not engaged in gardening and prefer to buy products at the bazaar or in the store, we recommend that you pay close attention to the external data of this vegetable. Firstly, he should not have mechanical damage, rotten leaflets and unpleasant odors. Secondly, fresh cabbage will never be lethargic and faded. A quality plant has elastic, shiny and heavy leaves with a characteristic aroma.
Red cabbage: benefits and healing properties
First of all, we begin the discussion of the external color. The color of the leaves is due to the presence of a special substance - the flavonoid anthocyanin. Thanks to this pigment, the plant has an unusual color. In addition, anthocyanin has antioxidant properties, affects the activity of enzymes in the body, for this reason it is used in folk and official medicine. Natural substance neutralizes heavy metals, free radicals, harmful toxins and toxins.
Repeatedly proven to improve the elasticity and permeability of blood vessels red cabbage. Its usefulness is the ability to protect the structure of cells and tissues from destruction. Recommended for people living in radioactive regions. It is also established that the vegetable stabilizes blood pressure, cholesterol and strengthens the immune system.
According to researchers, red cabbage, the use of which is undeniable, alleviates the symptoms in menopause (hot flashes, irritability, migraine). It is impossible not to note the presence in the composition of ascorbic acid and protein compounds, without which the normal development of the body is impossible. The plant contains quite a lot of retinol - a vitamin that is responsible for the normal functioning of the visual, nervous and immune systems.
It is difficult to overestimate the healing power of vegetable culture. Indispensable plant for the gastrointestinal tract: cleanses, restores digestion, heals small sores. You can not ignore the dietary properties. Experts unanimously declare that the vegetable quickly saturates, fills with vitamins, dulls hunger and contributes to weight loss. There is no sucrose and starch in the composition, so there will be no harm to the figure. There are only 26 kcal per 100 grams of product.
A little bit about the harm
Red cabbage, the benefits and contraindications of which are mandatory for study before use, has a small number of limitations. With caution, it should be used for ulcer pathology of the duodenum. It is recommended that the vegetable be stewed or cooked. The dosage should be minimized with excessive gas formation and colic.
Cooking use
In many countries of the world, red cabbage is used. The benefit of the vegetable is preserved even after heat treatment: stewing, cooking, frying. It is mainly consumed fresh, salted or pickled. It is worth noting that it is better not to eat the upper leaves and head of cabbage, since nitrates accumulate in them. We offer you to familiarize yourself with interesting cooking options.
Cranberry Recipe
Ingredients for the dish:
- Half a glass of filtered water.
- ½ part of red cabbage.
- Two hundred grams of fresh cranberries.
- Dessert spoon of grated ginger root.
- Soy Sauce - 20 g.
- Corn oil and sugar - a tablespoon.
Crush the washed cranberries in a mortar, pass the resulting juice through gauze or a small strainer. Chop cabbage into thin strips, pour fruit drink and let it brew for half an hour. Season the pickled vegetable with the rest of the ingredients: soy sauce, ginger, butter and granulated sugar.
This salad is perfect for meat and fish dishes. Harmoniously combined with carrots, apples, tomatoes, beets, pine nuts, red cabbage. The benefits (recipes relieve vitamin deficiency) of fresh salads are doubly great in the winter.
With horseradish and pineapple
This is a spicy salad for real gourmets. An interesting combination of light acidity and delicate sweetness gives an excellent result. The composition of the dish includes:
- 300 grams of red cabbage.
- Bell pepper.
- Ripe pineapple (canned) can be in the amount of 300 grams.
- Lemon.
- A bunch of parsley.
- Garlic - Three Slices.
- Horseradish ready - dessert spoon.
- Mayonnaise - 50 g.
Squeeze lemon juice, pour them chopped pineapple. Chop the cabbage into strips, knead with hands, mix with slices of sweet pepper, transfer to a salad bowl. Add pineapples. Make dressing: squeeze garlic into mayonnaise, season with horseradish, salt. Combine the finished sauce with food, decorate the dish with chopped parsley.
As we see, in different interpretations red cabbage is prepared. The plant benefits from saturating the body with a whole spectrum of minerals and vitamins.
So we have listed all the characteristics and properties of a vegetable product. Equal to this plant is difficult to find, so do not miss the opportunity to enjoy it. Red cabbage has a beneficial effect on all organs and tissues of a person. The benefit and harm, as it was found out, are not comparable. Of course, cabbage has much more healing qualities than contraindications. Be healthy and happy!