Who Should Limit Their Cabbage Intake?
Cabbage is rich in vitamins B, C, K, and E, as well as minerals such as calcium, zinc, iron, and potassium. However, certain groups of people should limit their intake to avoid potential health issues.
Cabbage contains high levels of oxalic acid, has a cooling effect, and acts as a diuretic. Therefore, individuals with kidney disease or those undergoing dialysis should limit their cabbage consumption.
Additionally, cabbage contains small amounts of goitrin, which can enlarge the thyroid gland and worsen goiter. To minimize this effect, it is advisable to cut the cabbage leaves, soak and wash them thoroughly, then chop them into small pieces and let them sit for 10–15 minutes before cooking to allow goitrin to break down. People with stomach ulcers should also limit raw cabbage intake as it may cause bloating.
Cabbage Juice for Health
Typically, one kilogram of cabbage yields about 500–700 ml of juice. Cabbage juice can be used to treat intestinal diseases, digestive issues, sore throats, and coughs. You can add salt or sugar according to taste.
To prepare cabbage juice, choose fresh, pest-free cabbage, wash it thoroughly, blanch it briefly in boiling water, and let it drain before juicing. It is recommended to drink about one liter of juice per day for a two-month course. Drink the juice immediately after juicing rather than storing it in the refrigerator.
Boiled cabbage and its water can help relieve painful urination, constipation, and dysentery. Additionally, boiled cabbage leaves can be applied to wounds to treat burns or swelling.
Cabbage Benefits
Cabbage juice can aid in treating digestive disorders, while cabbage leaves can be used for burns and swelling. This vegetable is also ideal for weight loss and improving skin health.
Cabbage contains 4.5 times more vitamin C than carrots and 3.6 times more than potatoes or onions. It has a sweet taste, promotes diuresis, improves bowel movement, purifies the blood, detoxifies the body, and helps treat stomach pain, hoarseness, and insect bites.
Cabbage has also been used in traditional European medicine since ancient times and was known as the “medicine of the poor.” It is rich in fiber, making it beneficial for digestion and weight loss. The vitamin A and C content in purple cabbage acts as a powerful antioxidant, keeping the skin smooth and youthful. Additionally, vitamin C aids wound healing, strengthens the immune system, and enhances iron absorption.