Kohlrabi cabbage useful properties and contraindications for the body

Kohlrabi is a type of cabbage. The edible part is the stem. It is a dietary product containing a large amount of glucose, fructose, sulfur, potassium, many vitamins and ascorbic acid, which is more in it than in an orange or lemon. It tastes like regular cabbage, but sweeter and juicier. It completely lacks the harshness inherent in white cabbage.

This type of cabbage is especially popular in the countries of central and northern Europe, where it is valued for its taste and unpretentiousness in growing. This cabbage is on par with the usual unchanged ingredient in borscht in Ukraine and Poland. Many people use it in salads, including young green leaves. This variety is not so popular with us and few people know about its benefits and beneficial properties.

How does kohlrabi cabbage look and grow?

Kohlrabi cabbage belongs to the Cabbage genus. The cruciferous family. It is a two-year-old vegetable that forms a head of cabbage in the first year and seeds in the second year. In appearance, it is unlike the usual cabbage. Its head is more like a turnip or a celery tuber.

The exact place of her origin is not known. According to some sources, the homeland is the Scandinavian countries, according to others – the Mediterranean countries or the territory of modern Germany. There are suggestions that it was first grown in Tibet. What is known for sure – it was present on the tables of Europeans already in the Middle Ages, and as a cultivated plant it was known even in Ancient Rome. They called it “cabbage turnip”: translated from German, “kol” means cabbage, and “rabi” means turnip.

In fact, kohlrabi is a stem vegetable, that is, its edible part is an overgrown stem. It is covered with light green or purple skin, has a soft, slightly fibrous juicy pulp of white or creamy cream color.

Thick and large dark green leaves attach to the stem. Depending on the degree of maturity and variety, the head size can reach 10 to 50 centimeters in diameter. The average weight of marketable cabbage is about 150 grams on average.

Kohlrabi is a very hardy vegetable and can grow in cool climates. Growing requires fertile soil. Grows well in light shade.

It should be noted that its head develops faster than that of ordinary white cabbage and can be ready for harvest as early as 55-60 days after sowing the seeds. They are less prone to cracking than turnips and can remain in the garden for up to a month after reaching full maturity. But if you leave it in the garden, it stiffens and loses its juiciness.

There are two main varieties of this cabbage: light green and purple. However, the inner flesh of both is white or creamy.

Today it is grown in many countries, including those with temperate climates. The main consumption of this type of cabbage is in European countries and the northern part of India.

Why is kohlrabi cabbage useful?

Kohlrabi is prized for its variety in cooking and its nutritional value. It includes:

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C);

Complex of B vitamins: niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, riboflavin, thiamine, folates;

Vitamin A;

Vitamin K;

Minerals: potassium, iron, manganese, copper, calcium, magnesium and others;

Alimentary fiber;

Carbohydrates;

Water;

Protein;

Antioxidants

It contains no cholesterol and practically no fat, the content of which in 100 grams is less than 1 percent.

This is a dietary product. The calorie content of 100 grams is only 27 calories.

It should be especially noted that it contains vitamin C, which accounts for 62 mg per 100 grams. This amounts to nearly 102 percent of the RDA for an adult.

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and does not accumulate in the body. Therefore, it needs to be replenished daily with food. It helps a person maintain connective tissues, teeth, and participates in the production of collagen. It is the main vitamin responsible for the immune system, helping to resist various infections and inflammations. In addition, it is an antioxidant that fights the oxidative effects of free radicals. This means that it is needed for the prevention of cancer.

In addition, among the antioxidant compounds, it is necessary to highlight glucosinolates, anthocyanins and carotenoids, which have high antioxidant activity and can prevent cell mutation into cancerous ones, protect against the development of colon and prostate cancer.

B vitamins act as cofactors of enzymatic processes in many metabolic processes.

Potassium is an important component of the intercellular fluids of the human body, helps to control heart rate, blood pressure.

Cabbage leaves are rich sources of carotenoids, vitamins A, K, ascorbic acid, and many other nutrients.

Kohlrabi cabbage useful properties

According to its properties, this type of cabbage differs from many of its relatives. It is absorbed by the body even better than apples and gives a feeling of fullness for a longer time. This property should be taken into account by those who follow a diet and want to lose weight.

Due to the presence of fiber and potassium, it helps to normalize metabolism and has good diuretic properties. And, therefore, it can reduce swelling.

It is recommended to include it in food for prevention:

Atherosclerosis;

High blood pressure;

Disorders of the nervous system.

The juice can be drunk for diseases of the bronchopulmonary system. It will help in the treatment of liver, kidney and spleen.

In folk medicine, it has been used to treat tuberculosis and asthma. Many people with asthma still grow it for purely medicinal purposes.

As a source of fiber, it improves digestion by relieving constipation and increasing nutrient intake and absorption.

A sufficient amount of iron can prevent anemia, which is accompanied by a low content of red blood cells in the blood, headaches, constant fatigue, indigestion, and decreased immunity.

Calcium improves the absorption of iron, prevents the development of diseases of the skeletal system. Its deficiency is one of the main reasons for the development of osteoporosis in old age.

The presence of vitamin A, carotenoids can help prevent macular degeneration, reduce the risk of cataracts.

All varieties of cabbage are beneficial for diabetics. Kohlrabi is no exception. Studies show that it has antidiabetic properties, prevents the development of diabetic neuropathy. The purple variety is especially useful in this regard. The aqueous extract can lower blood sugar levels and prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.

This cabbage is not contraindicated in baby food. Its low calorie content, lack of fat can counter childhood obesity. The presence of many important vitamins and minerals strengthens the nervous system and immunity of the growing child’s body.

The unobtrusive, mild taste is popular with many children. In addition, it does not cause allergies and does not lead to diathesis.

Slimming kohlrabi cabbage

It is an ideal dietary product: low in calories, high in fiber and other nutrients.

Fiber promotes quick satiety. A small portion is enough to satisfy hunger and not feel it for a long time, thus avoiding unnecessary snacks.

As a rule, people with metabolic disorders are overweight. Kohlrabi normalizes it. Indeed, it contains B vitamins, many of which are responsible for proper metabolism. It is necessary to take into account the fact that it contains practically no fat.

Kohlrabi cabbage benefits for the body

Kohlrabi is not only a food product, but can be used as a medicine. With regular use, you can:

Normalize the work of the digestive system;

Remove toxins from the body, including harmful decomposition substances after the use of alcohol, drugs, unhealthy diet;

Prevent inflammatory processes in the body of various origins;

Relieve irritation of the mucous membrane of internal organs;

Normalize metabolic and metabolic processes;

Reduce the risk of cancer;

Improve liver and gallbladder function;

Reduce cholesterol levels;

Improve appetite.

Kohlrabi is useful for nails, hair, skin. Its juice and pulp are used in homemade masks, which allows you to add shine to hair, strengthen nails, and improve skin condition.

Kohlrabi in cooking: how and what can be cooked

Kohlrabi is similar in taste and texture to regular cabbage, but softer and sweeter. Young heads have a more delicate, crunchy, pleasant, slightly peppery taste, aroma and texture.

It can be consumed fresh and cooked. Its leaves are also used for food; they have no less nutrients than the head of cabbage itself. You can leave the top on before cooking. But many peel, as it is more fibrous and coarse.

The tuber itself is most often used in salads, like carrots, and the leaves in hot dishes.

In some European countries, it serves as feed for livestock.

Before cooking cabbage:

Cut off all the leaves;

Rinse thoroughly in clean running water;

Put in salted water for 10-15 minutes (this allows you to remove soil, dirt, residues of herbicides and pesticides);

Peel.

It goes well with many vegetables:

Potatoes;

Carrots;

Garlic;

Tomatoes;

Bow

and others.

Stewed, it can be a good side dish for meat or poultry.

How to choose and store kohlrabi

This vegetable is available in the store and market mainly during the fall months. Fresh kale should have a crispy, juicy texture. When buying, opt for medium-sized tubers that are firm to the touch and weigh more than their size in your hands.

Avoid buying cracked, sluggish, damaged heads. Don’t buy one that feels less than its size in your hand. Such cabbage may not be juicy and fibrous.

In the room, it can be stored for 3-5 days. To extend the shelf life, store in the refrigerator at a high humidity level.

Kohlrabi contraindications and harm

Like all cruciferous vegetables, kohlrabi can contain goitrogens. These compounds interfere with the production of thyroid hormones, which can cause thyroid swelling. Therefore, it is contraindicated in people with thyroid dysfunction.

You need to be careful with:

With a tendency to flatulence;

During the period of exacerbation of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;

With increased acidity of gastric juice;

With exacerbation of pancreatitis;

With low blood pressure.

It is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance and allergic reaction to cruciferous vegetables.

Overgrown cabbage can accumulate oxalic and uric acid, which is harmful for people with gout, kidney stones, and gallbladder stones.

It is better to mix kohlrabi juice with other types that neutralize the effect of its acidic properties, for example, carrot juice.

Kohlrabi can accumulate nitrates, especially when grown in greenhouses and greenhouses, which can cause poisoning. These compounds block the delivery of oxygen in the body and can increase the risk of cancer.

In conclusion, it should be noted that kohlrabi cabbage is a very versatile vegetable that not only adds flavor and texture, but also improves health. It is considered one of the healthiest and lowest calorie foods, contains no fat and cholesterol, and is rich in many nutrients. Its addition to the diet will diversify the menu and prevent many diseases.

Kohlrabi cabbage what are the benefits and harms