Content
The benefits and harms of cabbage stalks are related to the chemical composition, as well as the characteristics of cultivation. Quite a lot of substances accumulate in the core. But if the harvest is obtained in your own garden without the use of pesticides, there is no need to worry. Otherwise, it is recommended to use the core only in the spring.
Composition and calorie content
To understand the benefits or harms of cabbage stalks, you need to find out what substances are included in its composition. These are vitamins, minerals and other valuable components: vitamins A, group B (B1, B2, B6, B9), C, K, PP, potassium, chromium, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, cobalt, molybdenum, copper, antioxidants.
Nutritionists rightly consider cabbage stalks to be a valuable product that provides much more benefit than harm. 100 g contain only 28 kcal. Nutritional value for the same weight:
- proteins – 1.8 g;
- fats – 0.1 g;
- carbohydrates – 5.4 g.
What are the benefits of the stalk of white cabbage?
Thanks to its rich chemical composition, cabbage stalks have several beneficial properties:
- normalization of metabolism;
- enrichment with vitamins and minerals;
- decreased stomach acidity;
- assistance in the treatment of ulcers and gastritis;
- improvement in anemia;
- relief of symptoms of asthma and bronchitis;
- restoration of strength;
- assistance in the treatment of prostatitis, adenoma;
- improving brain function;
- increased performance.
Is it possible to eat cabbage stalks?
The stalk has been eaten for quite some time. This is due to the fact that cabbage seeds were difficult to acquire in the spring, so they ate last year’s supply until the beginning of summer. At the same time, the leaves were fermented separately, and the stalk was left in the cellar to be planted in April.
In order for the stalk to bring maximum benefit and minimum harm, you can eat it only in small quantities.
Indeed, this part of the cabbage does not pose any particular threat to health. In addition, as already mentioned, it contains many useful substances. But you shouldn’t eat the core of regular store-bought cabbage, since it was probably grown with the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and other substances. It is in the core that various compounds accumulate, including phosphates and nitrates. As a result, it can harm your digestion.
Also, the core of cabbage bought secondhand can do more harm than good. It is best to use only your own harvest, the quality of which you can be sure of. However, in any case, you should not give the core to children under 5-6 years old.
It is worth keeping in mind that in the first weeks or months after harvesting, the concentration of harmful substances, including nitrates, is maximum.However, over time it decreases, so this product already provides more benefit than harm. In spring, the nitrate content drops by 30%. Therefore, in March and April, the stalk can be given to children and used for making salads, but only in moderate quantities and not every day.
Is cabbage stalk harmful?
In general, the core of cabbage is not harmful to health, it has certain benefits. But in some cases it can cause harm. The substances in it are contained in high concentrations, which can lead to a number of side effects:
- diarrhea;
- feeling of heaviness in the stomach;
- nausea, including vomiting;
- stomach pain.
You should not use the core in case of pancreatitis, increased intestinal motility, or if there is internal bleeding in the stomach. Use with caution for thyroid diseases.
How to cut a cabbage stalk
To get the most benefit and minimize harm, the core should be cut correctly. To do this, take a sharp knife and act like this:
- Wash the head of cabbage and, if necessary, remove all withered leaves.
- Cut off the stems that are at the bottom of the fork.
- Cut it exactly in half from top to bottom. The cut should be clearly in the center.
- Make a cut downwards.
- Then they pass along one side at an angle.
- A cut is made in the same way on the other side - it turns out in the form of a “V”.
- Remove the core and continue working with the leaves.
You need to make a cut in the middle
What can you cook from cabbage stalks?
You can prepare several dishes from cabbage stalks. The simplest option is a vegetable salad.To do this take:
- core – 1 pc.;
- carrots – 1 pc.;
- leek – 10 cm (white fragment);
- garlic – 3 cloves;
- sunflower oil – 1 tbsp. l.;
- cilantro - a bunch;
- rice vinegar - 1 tbsp. l.;
- soy sauce – 1 tbsp. l.;
- a pinch of coriander.
To get more benefit and minimum harm, act like this:
- The carrots are cut into strips (as in Korean) or grated.
- Grind the core.
- Next, chop the garlic and leek.
- Chop the cilantro leaves.
- Add all other ingredients, a pinch of coriander and mix.
You can also make a side dish from cabbage stalks in the form of a stewed vegetable dish. To obtain benefits and minimize harm, several components are taken at once:
- cores – 2-3 pcs.;
- carrots – 1 pc.;
- sugar – 1 tsp;
- soy sauce – 1 tbsp. l.;
- red pepper - a pinch;
- Sunflower oil – 2 tbsp. l.
- salt - to taste.
This is a Japanese style stew. It is low-calorie, so it really provides benefits and does not cause harm. During cooking you should:
- Chop the carrot root into strips.
- After this, grind the stalk on a grater.
- Fry in sunflower oil (over medium heat).
- Then add sugar, pepper, butter, salt, soy sauce.
- Mix everything and add a little water.
- Cover with a lid, place on medium heat and simmer until fully cooked.
You can cook without water - then the vegetables are simply fried. They should become slightly dry and have a slight crust.
Conclusion
The benefits and harms of cabbage stalks have been well studied. In general, it should not be consumed due to the accumulation of dangerous substances. But if you eat it in the spring or take a harvest from your garden, there will definitely be more benefit than harm. It can be consumed either fresh or as part of various dishes.
