The benefits and harms of blue cabbage for men, women, and children

On the shelves next to white cabbage, you'll find its closest relative, but with leaves of a different color. It can range from red to dark purple. However, this cabbage is most often called "blue cabbage." The vegetable differs not only in its hue, but also in its composition and taste. This cabbage has numerous beneficial properties, which is why it's featured in many folk medicine and cosmetic recipes, but not everyone is allowed to eat it, and it's a good idea to research its preparation before purchasing.

Features and composition

Blue cabbage is not at all uncommon. It appeared in European countries as early as the 18th century, but people weren't quite sure how to prepare it, so white cabbage was preferred.

Cabbage's properties are explained by its rich composition. It contains many more vitamins and nutrients than white cabbage. This is especially true for vitamins B, P, and H, as well as A, C, and K, iron, iodine, potassium, magnesium, and others. It is also very rich in folate. This is why it is recommended for pregnant women.

Of particular note are the phytoncides and antioxidants, which are important for those living in polluted industrial areas. The amazing combination of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber promotes good digestion, improves digestive and overall health, and promotes a long-lasting feeling of satiety.

Beneficial properties

Red cabbage juice is known to have been used in ancient Rome to treat lung cancer. Today, it has been scientifically proven that regular consumption of cabbage prevents the tuberculosis bacillus from establishing itself in the body.

Thanks to its high vitamin C content, it is an excellent remedy for the prevention of flu and colds, and also perfectly cleanses the body at the cellular level.

100 grams of cabbage contains only 24 kcal and is completely fat-free, making it an ideal snack for those trying to lose weight. Moreover, it keeps you feeling full for a long time.

In addition, the regular presence of blue cabbage in the menu prevents:

• diabetes mellitus;
• constipation;
• obesity;
• problems with the organs of vision;
• heart and vascular diseases;
• Alzheimer's disease;
• nervous system disorders;
• fluctuations in arterial and intracranial pressure.

Incidentally, eating a little cabbage before a celebration can significantly reduce the harmful effects of alcohol on the body. But these are general characteristics; for people of different genders and ages, cabbage consumption has a more specific purpose.

For men

Blue cabbage can solve a multitude of health problems for men. It boosts sexual desire, helps treat infertility, and stabilizes the nervous system. A man who regularly eats this vegetable visibly rejuvenates. He gains joy in life, improves his mood, and increases his productivity.

Smokers should generally use this product regularly to reduce the negative impact of tobacco on the lungs and cleanse them of nicotine.

For women

The main benefit of blue cabbage for women is its ability to prevent breast cancer. It also slows down the aging process, helps with PMS and menopause, restores attractiveness, and helps maintain a healthy weight without any problems.

For pregnant women, it's an essential source of folate. However, blue cabbage should be introduced into the diet with caution during pregnancy. In large quantities, it can cause gas.

For children

Blue cabbage can be introduced into children's diets, as adults eat it, starting at age three (before that, children are allowed a minimum amount, but only in ground form and as a supplement to other vegetables). It improves digestive function, boosts immunity, and, thanks to its rich nutrients, contributes to the development of the skeletal system and muscles. For schoolchildren, this product helps manage mental stress, enhance their abilities, improve memory, and sharpen their attention span.

For the elderly

For people 50 and older, the most important nutrients in blue cabbage are sulfur, anthocyanin, and vitamin C. These nutrients help maintain cardiovascular health, slow the aging process, prevent age-related changes, memory problems, and more.

Contraindications

Cabbage, when consumed correctly, is harmless. Only those with an intolerance should avoid it, and those with digestive issues should introduce it into their diet with extreme caution, especially raw.

It's important to remember moderation. Eating too much cabbage can cause diarrhea, bloating, gas, and colic.

How to use

Fresh cabbage offers more nutritional benefits, so it's recommended to focus on salads first. However, if you have digestive issues, it's best to eat it stewed or boiled.

Before cooking, remove the outer leaves from the vegetable, and when shredding, stop not at the stalk, but a couple of leaves before it. These layers may contain nitrates.

The easiest way is to finely chop the cabbage, squeeze it by hand to release the juice, season with vinegar and vegetable oil, add a little salt, and serve. This simple salad goes well with porridge and fried meat. But don't limit yourself to these recipes. Blue cabbage can be fermented, pickled, used to make a variety of sauces, and when combined with other, carefully chosen ingredients, it becomes a true culinary masterpiece.

With cucumbers and cheese

Finely chop the cabbage, season with salt, and squeeze out the excess water. Grate the cucumber on a medium grater and mix with the cabbage. Season with oil or mayonnaise. Sprinkle with grated cheese before serving.

Braised in wine

Finely chop the cabbage, squeeze out the excess, place in a buttered frying pan, and simmer for about half an hour, covered. Add a couple of tablespoons of flour, stir, pour in 100 ml of dry red wine, and simmer until the liquid evaporates. Add salt and spices to taste.

Pickled with cranberries

Squeeze 1 kg of shredded cabbage and pour in freshly squeezed cranberry juice (200 g of berries + a glass of water). After 24 hours, strain and add vegetable oil to taste. Serve with chopped walnuts.

Where else can it be applied?

Blue cabbage is effectively used in folk medicine and cosmetology. It is recommended for hypertension, pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, heart and vascular problems, weakened immunity, edema, and more. In cosmetology, the vegetable is used to combat oily skin, acne, and even boils.

Folk recipes

Red cabbage is used medicinally primarily in juice form. Here are just a few recipes:

• Mix blue cabbage juice with white cabbage juice in a 1:1 ratio. Rinse twice a day for bleeding gums and gum pain;
• in case of pneumonia, soak gauze in juice, apply to the chest for several hours, or better yet, overnight;
• for pain in the blood vessels, mix the juice 2:1 with vodka, leave for 10-14 days in a dark place, rub the sore spot up to 5 times a day;
• dissolve a spoonful of juice in a glass of water, drink 2-3 times a day if necessary to remove excess fluid from the body;
• add a spoonful of honey to 100 ml of juice and take in two or three stages if you have a severe cough;
• Dilute half and half with red wine and drink a glass immediately if bitten by a dog or other animal. This will protect against rabies.

Beauty recipes

Blue cabbage is used for hair and skin of any type.

For dry skin

Chop the leaves, pour milk over them, and simmer until half-cooked. When the mixture is warm, apply to your face and neck, leave for 20-30 minutes, and remove with a paper towel.

Lightly beat the leaves with a kitchen hammer, pour boiling water over them, coat with olive oil, and apply to your face for 15 minutes. Then, wipe your skin with chamomile infusion.

Grind the cabbage in a meat grinder, mix it with equal parts egg and olive oil. Apply to a steamed face for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

For oily skin

Grind a couple of cabbage leaves, mix with two egg whites, and apply a thin layer to your face for 20 minutes.

Wipe your face daily before going to bed with a cotton pad soaked in freshly squeezed juice.

For normal skin

Mix a teaspoon each of cabbage juice, vegetable oil, and egg yolk. Apply to your face for 15 minutes three times a week. The mask is incredibly nourishing and refreshing.

For aging skin

Finely chop two cabbage leaves, mix with a pinch of yeast, two tablespoons of natural apple juice, and a teaspoon of honey. Apply to your face for 20 minutes, then remove the mask with a cotton pad.

To help split ends, thin, and damaged hair, massage a mixture of cabbage, spinach, and lemon juice (3:2:1 ratio) into the scalp daily. The treatment course lasts for one month.

Blue cabbage has many benefits, and it's also simply delicious and unique. Don't hesitate to include it in your family's diet, just remember to follow the recommended consumption guidelines.