Black cabbage properties: the benefits of the Tuscan vegetable to be introduced into your diet
The black cabbage is a typical vegetable of the central Italy area, specifically of the splendid Tuscany and is rich in antioxidant properties. Among other benefits, black cabbage also helps against inflammation and the classic flu, as well as prevents tumors. In short, there are many advantages of this vegetable, which is also tasty if cooked properly: this recipe will show you how nothing is thrown away, not even the leaves that can be tasty stuffed!
The characteristics of black cabbage
Black cabbage is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. As the name suggests, black cabbage stands out among other vegetables for its very dark color, not exactly black, but green almost tending to blue. The vegetable actually has an unmistakable appearance, with its long and dark leaves, well divided and slightly lumpy, and is available all year round on the fruit and vegetable stalls, but its best period is certainly the winter one, summarily from November. in April.
As mentioned, black cabbage is mainly used in the central-southern areas, mainly in Campania and Lazio, in addition to the aforementioned Tuscany; here, it is the fundamental element of soups and broths. This vegetable is certainly not unknown outside the national territory: among the vegetables it is in fact quite well known also abroad, used both as a local product and as a typical ingredient of Tuscan cuisine.
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Black cabbage is a low-energy food, even if it is in the average of the values among vegetables. It is a vegetable composed mainly of water, fiber, fats and simple carbohydrates, that is fructose, while the lipids are almost negligible. Black cabbage contains many minerals such as iron, calcium, sodium, manganese, copper and so on. It is also abundant from the point of view of vitamins as it offers an "excellent dose of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C and K. In particular, black cabbage has six fundamental properties that act as a sufficient pretext to supplement it more. in the power of each one.
This vegetable, however, is a food low in fat and sugar, as well as in the number of calories. The caloric intake, in fact, is very low, about 30 calories per 100 grams of food - just like all cabbages.
Anti-tumor and anti-aging
The first of the exceptional properties of black cabbage is its ability to fight free radicals, thus offering the "body" additional protection from tumors. This property is part of the nutritional benefits and seems to be justified by the presence of glucosinolates phytonutrients; in particular, the diet rich in this nutrient seems to counteract breast and colon cancer. Furthermore, the numerous flavonoids it contains help to slow down cellular aging, allowing the skin to remain elastic and protected from pathologies that free radicals could cause .
It's good for the heart and mind
The aforementioned flavonoids present in black cabbage have another beneficial property: it seems, in fact, that they protect the heart, in addition to the anti-tumor action. The black cabbage, benefiting from these elements, is a source of help in maintaining good heart health and at the same time carries out an "antidepressant action. That's not all: according to recent studies, the omega-3s present in our vegetable also improve memory. and brain functions.
Reduces bad cholesterol
Although very dark, the color of the leaf does not lie: the green leafy vegetable is rich in fiber and nutritional values, therefore perfect for keeping the levels of LDL cholesterol, the so-called bad cholesterol, low. High levels of this cholesterol in the blood lead to serious problems, which must not be neglected, but on the contrary it is good to review your diet and, when properly advised by your doctor, start any necessary treatments. Of course, black cabbage does not work miracles, but it is an excellent source of prevention.
Strengthens the immune system
We have already said that black cabbage is consumed mainly in the winter months, when our body is prey to viruses and intestinal influences. Kale contains five times more vitamin C than spinach, as well as many more than a whole orange in just a few leaves. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system and increases collagen production, once again slowing down cellular aging and improving metabolism.
Protects eyes and bones
Coming to the rescue for bone protection is vitamin K, which increases the ability to absorb calcium while also decreasing problems affecting the skeletal system. Not only that, black cabbage also has meta-carotene and lutein which boost eye health.
Natural remedy for inflammation
In traditional medicine, black cabbage is used as a natural remedy for bone and joint inflammation. Furthermore, it seems that by placing some leaves on a painful area they have special effects, namely the ability to relieve the symptoms of sprains and swelling. Black cabbage helps accelerate the healing process of inflamed gastric mucous membranes and is also effective against gastric ulcer.
Gastronomy: black cabbage in the kitchen
The vegetable offers a great variety of recipes in the kitchen: it can in fact be stewed, steamed, boiled and even baked to create a simple and healthy alternative to french fries. Like most varieties of cabbage, this too must be blanched first and then sautéed with various flavorings, depending on the different effects that you like: among these are appreciated fats, spices and aromas. It is kept in the refrigerator for 4-5 days and it is good to consume it as soon as possible to benefit from all its properties.
Black cabbage is very bitter raw, which is why it is not recommended and it is preferable to take it blended with other foods or, better still, steamed, when it loses the least number of properties.
Our vegetables are accompanied in many recipes by anchovies, especially in Campania cuisine, but the combination with cheese is also frequent. Not surprisingly, it is often used as a condiment for pasta and a fundamental ingredient in soups, but it is quite frequent. even the use raw in salads, despite its characteristic bitter taste.
In Tuscany, on the other hand, black cabbage is the main food of the famous ribollita, that is the thick soup rich in ingredients well cooked twice.
The contraindications of black cabbage
Like all foods, black cabbage also has specific contraindications. Firstly, it is a vegetable not recommended for those suffering from kidney problems due to its excessive production of potassium. Also for this reason, it is recommended to avoid it for those taking beta-blocking drugs. In addition, those with irritable bowel syndrome should refrain from consuming this vegetable as it may worsen the body's digestion. If eaten raw, its terribly bitter taste is not the only drawback, but side effects have also been found in some regarding the thyroid gland.
