Chinese cabbage can inhibit cancer cells

This vegetable is both delicious and nutritious. Eating a lot in winter helps the body benefit from enough sugar .

Chinese cabbage is a familiar vegetable to Vietnamese people, but few people know that this vegetable is very popular with the people of this billion-nation country because of its sweet, crunchy taste and affordable price. Chinese cabbage is often stir-fried, boiled, cooked in soup, and dipped in hot pot. It is not difficult to find Chinese cabbage in Chinese restaurants. In addition, Chinese cabbage is also considered the national vegetable of Koreans when used as the main ingredient in the famous kimchi dish.

Cabbage is very low in calories, each serving of boiled cabbage is only under 20 calories but is rich in vitamins, copper, iron, and fiber that are good for the body. Here are the health benefits of Chinese cabbage that have been scientifically proven:

1. Inhibits the growth of cancer cells

Research published in the Journal of the Korean Food and Nutrition Association has shown that cabbage and cabbage extract are rich in biologically active ingredients, which inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Polyphenols and flavonoids - antioxidants - in Chinese cabbage are believed to provide this effect.

(Photo: Pinterest)

2. Rich in vitamin C

According to the Korean National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, the green leaves on the outside of cabbage contain abundant vitamin C. Cabbage does not lose much vitamin C even when heated, suitable for many ways to prepare dishes. It is effective in preventing colds and improving immunity. In particular, the green leaves of Chinese cabbage are rich in beta-carotene - a precursor to vitamin A - which helps strengthen immunity and protect the lungs and bronchi.

3. Promote intestinal activity and prevent constipation

The water content in Chinese cabbage is about 95%, helping to diuretic. High fiber in Chinese cabbage (100 g of vegetables has 0.94 g of fiber) promotes intestinal activity, preventing constipation and colon cancer. It is also good when dieting. Adding cabbage to grilled dishes such as meat or fish is beneficial for intestinal health. However, people with chronic colon disease should eat cooked cabbage.

4. Strengthen the immune system

100g of cabbage contains 28mg of vitamin C, necessary to strengthen the immune system, fight aging and produce white blood cells. In addition, vitamin C is also important in developing and protecting tissues in the body.

5. Good for the heart

This vegetable contains high levels of vitamin B9, which positively affects the heart, circulatory system and red blood cells. With abundant fiber, cabbage helps reduce cholesterol levels, thereby preventing heart disease. Chinese cabbage also contains copper and potassium, which can control blood pressure and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.

Another study in the US showed that increasing the use of vegetables in the diet, especially cruciferous vegetables, such as Chinese cabbage, can reduce the risk of heart disease.

This vegetable contains high levels of vitamin B9.

6. Control blood sugar

Cabbage mainly contains water and fiber, and does not increase blood sugar levels after eating. According to many studies from China, cruciferous vegetables, including Chinese cabbage, can reduce the risk of diabetes. In addition, manganese in Chinese cabbage has also been shown to prevent blood sugar increases.

People who should not eat Chinese cabbage

Note, although cabbage brings many health benefits, there are still people who are advised not to eat this vegetable such as:

1. People with digestive diseases : Because Chinese cabbage has cold (cold) properties, people with cold constitutions will experience cold stomach and diarrhea if they eat a lot.
2. People with constipation : Eating raw cabbage, salted cabbage, or cabbage made into kimchi will make constipation worse.
3. People with stomach pain : When eaten raw or pickled, cabbage can easily cause bloating, making stomach pain worse.
4. Pregnant people : If you eat a lot, you will have indigestion, allergies, frequent and more severe reflux, which is not good for your health or the health of your fetus.

Other notes:

You should choose to buy cabbage with thin, soft leaves and thin veins. The circumference of the root area and stem are similar, the white part when pressed is firm and succulent, meaning the vegetable is fresh. The inner leaves are pale white. Chinese cabbage is of good quality when each leaf is rolled in the middle.

If you don't plan to cook an entire head of cabbage, you should cut enough outer leaves to use. Then you wrap it in tissue or paper and store it in the refrigerator.