Napa cabbage benefits, calories, storage instructions

Napa cabbage Nutrition

Napa cabbage is a biennial leafy vegetable. Compared to the roots, it has a round shape with leaves clustered together in the form of a huge flower above it. The white stems and leaves become greener as they go up, and the central leaves located inside the plant are yellow as they do not receive sunlight. It is a low-temperature vegetable that likes cool climates, so in the past it was grown only in the fall. In Korea, it is an essential ingredient in making kimchi.

Napa cabbage benefits

1. Prevent constipation

Napa cabbage is rich in dietary fiber and moisture. They help prevent constipation and support digestive health. It improves the intestinal environment and promotes intestinal movement, increasing the amount of stool, making it effective for people who do not have frequent bowel movements or those who are constipated. It also helps in excreting waste products.

2. Anti-cancer activity

Napa cabbage contains a component called glucosinolate, which is known to have excellent anti-cancer effects. This ingredient is contained in large quantities in the white part of Napa cabbage, and helps prevent various cancers, including colon cancer and stomach cancer. In addition, it contains ingredients such as carotene and indole, which are powerful antioxidants and are effective in preventing cancer by inhibiting the metastasis and proliferation of various cancer cells.

3. Skin Health

Antioxidant action helps create healthy skin. Vitamin C contained in Napa cabbage has excellent antioxidant properties. Vitamin C effectively removes and suppresses free radicals that cause skin aging, and is effective in eliminating freckles and blemishes. Additionally, because Napa cabbage contains a large amount of moisture, it promotes collagen synthesis, which is essential for skin moisturization, and helps make the skin smooth and elastic. Additionally, the potassium and vitamin A contained in Napa cabbage also help improve complexion.

4. Prevention of cardiovascular disease

Napa cabbage contains polyphenols. This helps reduce blood pressure and prevent platelet build-up, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, the potassium and vitamins in Napa cabbage lower blood cholesterol levels, remove cholesterol accumulated in blood vessels in the body, and expel various waste products out of the body, helping lower blood pressure. Therefore, regular consumption of Napa cabbage helps prevent several cardiovascular diseases.

Side Effect

1. Napa cabbage has a cold nature. Therefore, people suffering from digestive diseases such as cold or irritable bowel syndrome should be careful because excessive intake of Napa cabbage may cause symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain.
2. For people taking blood thinners, the vitamin K in Napa cabbage may interfere with the medication. Vitamin K should be avoided as it plays a role in blood clotting.

References

💠Onlymyhealth: Napa cabbage: Health benefits One Should Know
💠MasterClass: Napa Cabbage: How to Use Napa Cabbage in Your Cooking
💠RBC-UKRAINE: How napa cabbage can help combat seasonal illnesses