The health benefits and harms of Chinese cabbage and what to cook with it

Experimental specimens of Chinese cabbage appeared in Japan after the 1940s. The first domestic variety was bred in the 1970s at the Polar Station. Over the course of half a century, dozens of varieties of Chinese cabbage have been developed. Chinese cabbage has a delicate taste and has no bitternessThe head of cabbage, with its whole, wrinkled leaves, grows up to 40 cm in length. Cabbage is loved for its succulent foliage, excellent taste, and medicinal properties. This Chinese cabbage is often called "Chinese lettuce" because it resembles lettuce.

Components of cabbage

Peking cabbage contains 90% water. It contains vitamins and mineral salts, acids, amino acids, fiber, phytoncides, alkaloids, retinol, and phylloquinone.

Vitamin complex:

• B1, B6 – improve the functioning of the vascular system and metabolism, supply cells with energy, help relieve stress;
• B2 – improves the structure of hair and skin, promotes proper functioning of the brain, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system;
• B3 – relieves stress, with regular use prevents heart disease, reduces the amount of cholesterol plaques;
• B5 – is responsible for the production of adrenal hormones, brain and nervous system activity, improves immunity, and is involved in the synthesis of antibodies;
• B9 – increases hemoglobin, has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the liver and intestines;
• A – restores bone tissue, improves the functioning of the visual organs, slows down the aging process;
• E – in pregnant women reduces the risk of fetal pathology and the risk of abortion, treats hair and nails;
• C – increases resistance to viruses, takes part in the production of blood cells and hormones;
• K – is responsible for the formation of bone tissue and joints, serves as a preventative for kidney and liver diseases, and strengthens blood vessels.

Minerals:

• sulfur;
• iodine;
• fluorine;
• iron;
• potassium;
• zinc;
• copper;
• selenium;
• chlorine;
• manganese.

100 g of fresh cabbage contains: 0.4 g of fat, 1 g of protein, 1.3 g of carbohydrates. Energy value: 15 kcal/100 g.

Varieties of Chinese cabbage

Over the past 70 years, breeders have developed a large number of varieties and hybrids of Chinese cabbage. There are early varieties that mature in 35-40 days. Over the course of a season plant early cabbage The harvest can be three times. The weight of a single head of cabbage ranges from 1 kg to 3 kg.

The main and productive varieties of Chinese vegetables:

1. Early cabbage: Lenok, TSKhA 2, Peking broadleaf, Semi-cabbage, Vesnyanka, Richi.
2. Mid-season varieties, vegetative period 50-60 days: Bilko, Lyubasha, Gorki, Hydra, Granat.
3. Late Pekingese, vegetation occurs in 65-75 days: Nika, Bokal, Monument.
4. Varieties for the Siberian region and the Urals are distinguished by their cold resistance: Russian Size, Cha-Cha, Orange Mandarin, Yuki, Beijing Express, Brocken.

Benefits of cabbage

Cabbage is equally beneficial for adults, children, and pregnant women. Strengthening the immune system has a beneficial effect on overall health. This healthy vegetable helps fight various infections.

For women and men

Benefits of Chinese salad:

• helps with diabetes;
• stabilizes the functioning of the nervous system;
• relieves headaches;
• reduces blood pressure and heart function;
• improves intestinal tract function;
• serves as a preventative measure against kidney and liver diseases;
• prevents salt deposits;
• strengthens bone tissue;
• prevents the occurrence of allergies;
• used for weight loss.

Cabbage helps women avoid breast cancer. It also protects men from prostate and colon cancer.

Benefits for pregnant women

The healing substances found in cabbage have a positive effect on both the mother and her unborn child. Iron prevents anemia in expectant mothers. Folic acid prevents various pathologies in the child and reduces the risk of miscarriage.

In the final weeks of pregnancy, a woman rapidly gains weight. To prevent this from worsening, the body needs fiber, which is found in sufficient quantities in Chinese cabbage.

Ascorbic acid prevents colds, as viruses are very dangerous for babies.

Swelling, fatigue, nervous breakdowns – this happens to a woman during pregnancy. Chinese salad comes to the rescue - relieving swelling, tension, and helping you sleep peacefully.

Peking salad for children

It is not recommended to give green vegetables to infants and children under two years of age. Cabbage is difficult for infants to digest. It can cause upset stomachs, colic, and flatulence. This can lead to pain and poor sleep. The same applies to nursing mothers. It is best to avoid eating Chinese cabbage while breastfeeding to avoid health problems for the baby.

The product is introduced gradually from the age of two in small doses of no more than 50 g per day. The first dose is one leaf, after rinsing it with boiling water. If no problems arise, a fresh leaf is given, and then the number of leaves is gradually increased.

Children often suffer from acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections, flu, and sore throats. Vitamin C helps fight infection. Calcium helps form bones. At this age, children are growing rapidly, and their growing bodies need not only vitamins but also minerals. Moreover, the plant stimulates appetite. Parents face a constant challenge: how to feed their children?

Consumption of Pekingese in old age

Elderly people need preventative care for brain, gastrointestinal, and heart diseases. They are often susceptible to colds and other medical conditions. The ascorbic acid, calcium, and other components of the vegetable can help support the immune system and prevent complications. Peking cabbage reduces swelling and serves as a preventative measure for atherosclerosis.

Harm and contraindications

Cabbage and dairy products should not be combined. Combining them can lead to intestinal upset. If you have an acute attack of pancreatitis, avoid the salad.

People should consult a doctor before consuming:

• with an acidic environment of the stomach;
• for stomach ulcers and bleeding;
• during exacerbation of colitis, duodenitis;
• in cases of poisoning and acute intestinal infections.

Safe for human consumption is cabbage grown in your own garden. Napa cabbage bought at the supermarket can be loaded with nitrates and pesticides. It's often imported, and the harmful substances it contains increase its shelf life.

What to cook with cabbage

China isn't the only country that boasts a variety of dishes using Chinese cabbage. The national cuisine boasts dozens of recipes featuring Chinese cabbage salad. Salads, cabbage rolls, pickled cabbage, kimchi, cabbage soup, soup, stuffed salad—the list goes on. Peking cabbage is boiled, steamed, stewed, fried, and baked.

Pickled Chinese cabbage

For 6 servings you will need:

• cabbage – 0.5 kg;
• carrots – 150 g;
• garlic – 3-4 cloves;
• coriander – ½ teaspoon;
• vegetable oil – 60 ml;
• vinegar – 1 tbsp;
• salt – 1 tbsp;
• sugar – 1 tsp.

Preparation:

• chop the head of cabbage coarsely;
• grate the carrots on a coarse grater;
• finely chop the garlic;
• mix all ingredients, add coriander;
• prepare the marinade: heat the oil, vinegar, salt, and sugar;
• pour hot marinade into the salad and stir;
• After cooling, place in the refrigerator for 7 hours.

Korean dish Kimchi

Products:

• 2 heads of cabbage;
• salt – 1 cup;
• water – 1.8 l;
• garlic and hot pepper (to taste);

Recipe:

• Cut the Chinese salad into 4 pieces, place in a saucepan, sprinkle with salt, add water, and leave in a warm place for 24 hours;
• rinse the leaves under running water;
• Chop the garlic and pepper or mince them;
• Spread each leaf with pepper and garlic;
• leave to brew for 24 hours;
• put in a cold place, 3 days is enough;
• Before serving, cut the kimchi into 2 cm pieces.

Smoked Chicken Breast Soup

Ingredients:

• smoked brisket – 1 l;
• cabbage – 250 g;
• potatoes – 3 medium sized;
• water – 1.3 l;
• onion – 1 pc.;
• sweet pepper 1 pc.;
• garlic – 2-3 cloves;
• green peas – 80 g;
• butter – 30 g;
• olive oil – 3 tablespoons;
• salt and ground pepper to taste.

Step-by-step recipe:

• cut the brisket into cubes;
• Pour olive oil and butter into a container with a thick bottom;
• fry the brisket for about 4-5 minutes;
• Add chopped onion and garlic to the meat and fry for 5 minutes;
• peel the potatoes and cut into cubes;
• transfer potatoes to a saucepan and cook for 6 minutes;
• add chopped sweet pepper, fry for another 3-4 minutes;
• pour in water, bring to a boil, cook until the potatoes are cooked;
• shred the cabbage and add to the soup;
• Add green peas, salt, pepper, and cook for 7-10 minutes.

Celery salad

Mix 50g of shredded Napa cabbage with 20g of chopped lettuce. Add 30g of chopped celery. Add a quarter of a jar of pickled bean sprouts, paprika, coriander, and black pepper. Drizzle with 5-7ml of lemon juice and 70ml of sesame oil.

Salad with canned tuna

Ingredients: canned tuna, fresh cucumber, cabbage leaves, dill, parsley, mustard (French). Chop the vegetables and herbs, add the tuna, mix, and season with mustard.

Colored salad

Chop carrots, Chinese cabbage, cucumber, add canned corn, season with olive oil.

Reviews

Olga, 34 years old, Kostroma

I've been including Chinese cabbage in my daily diet for two years now. I'm prone to obesity, so this healthy vegetable helps me manage my weight. I followed a diet, including Chinese cabbage in my meals, and lost 7 kg. Thanks to it, I haven't gained any extra pounds.

Andrey, 41 years old, Kursk

I buy Chinese cabbage 2-3 times a week. I used to have intestinal problems, but now everything is fine. My wife comes up with different recipes, and the cabbage becomes very tasty; the whole family eats it.

Elena Vladimirovna, 56 years old, Voronezh

I don't buy Chinese cabbage; I grow it myself. I sow the seeds twice a season: in May and July. I make a delicious salad in a marinade for the winter, cook it for entrees, and make fresh salads. When the harvest is good, I share the cabbage with a neighbor.

Low in calories, thanks to its fiber, Chinese cabbage quickly fills the body and prevents the rapid absorption of carbohydrates and fats. It keeps you feeling full for a long time. In cosmetology, Chinese cabbage is used in rejuvenating masks and lotions. They reduce fine wrinkles, soothe irritation, and clear up skin rashes. The benefits of this green vegetable are enormous, but moderation is key, and it should be consumed in moderation.