Cabbage juice is a mildly flavored juice derived from cabbage leaves, which belong to a number of different cultivars of the Brassica oleracea species. Cabbage is widely cultivated around the world for its hearty, nutrient-dense leafy heads, which are popularly used in culinary preparations, from salads and stews to pickled forms and healthy juices.
Cabbage Juice Nutrition Facts
A single glass of cabbage juice can deliver significant amounts of vitamin K, A, E, and C, calcium, iron, potassium, glutamine, phosphorus, iodine, B-family vitamins, phytonutrients, enzymes, and antioxidant compounds. When you choose to juice cabbage, rather than eat it, you will be missing out on the dietary fiber cabbage is rich in. Next time you want to try a simple, inexpensive, and nutrient-rich vegetable juice, prepare your own cabbage juice at home and enjoy its many surprising benefits! [1]
Health Benefits of Cabbage Juice
The impressive health benefits of cabbage juice may include detoxifying the body, boosting immunity, weight loss, faster healing of skin issues, balancing hormone function, lowering blood pressure, among others.
May Aid in Skin Care
Cabbage juice is loaded with antioxidants, including vitamin C and E, all of which can help improve the health and appearance of your skin. It may flush out free radicals from the surface of the skin and possibly reduce signs of aging, such as wrinkles and blemishes while giving your skin a healthy glow. [2]
May Help Detoxify the Body
Famed as a diuretic substance, people have been drinking cabbage juice to get rid of toxins in the body for centuries. Glucosinolates are found in cabbage juice, which can help eliminate many of the toxins, unnecessary hormones, and enzymes from the body. It also helps detoxify the liver and kidneys. [3]
May Aid in Weight Loss
Cabbage juice is extremely low in calories, coming in at only 18 calories in a glass. However, this juice is also quite nutrient-dense and can help your body feel full. Thus, lowering your risk of snacking between meals and overeating, and making cabbage juice an ideal part of a weight-loss diet.
May Boost Immunity
With the possible presence of vitamin C, antioxidants, and other immune-strengthening minerals, this juice can be a great shield for the immune system. Furthermore, some of the trace active ingredients can counter the release of histamines in the body, which reduces the workload of your immune system.
May Lower Cholesterol Levels
Numerous studies have found that regular consumption of cabbage juice can help lower your LDL cholesterol levels, which is the “bad” form of fat that can lead to heart issues. By balancing your cholesterol levels, this juice can help with weight loss and improve heart health. [4]
May Maintain Stomach Health
This is what cabbage juice is most famous for, balancing the acidity levels in the stomach and reducing the presence of stomach ulcers. Due to the presence of sulforaphane and other natural enzymes, the mucus lining of your stomach will be strengthened and it will be much harder for peptic ulcers to form. In fact, studies have shown that drinking 4-6 cups of cabbage juice per day can eliminate stomach ulcers in under two weeks. [5]
Cabbage juice is a rich source of vitamin C. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
May Improve Brain Function
Research has connected some of the active ingredients in cabbage juice, namely anthocyanins and vitamin K, to improved brain function and lower depositions of plaque in the neural pathways. In combination with the other antioxidants in this beverage, you can lower your risk of neurodegenerative disorders. [6]
May Balance Hormone Levels
There is a significant amount of iodine found in cabbage, which means that this juice can help regulate and monitor your thyroid gland and hormone production. This is an essential mineral in which many people are deficient, but if you want to reduce your chances of developing hyper/hypothyroidism, this juice is precisely what you need. [7]
May Lower Blood Pressure
Cabbage juice offers a healthy dose of potassium, which means lower blood pressure due to its function as a vasodilator. This can reduce strain and tension in your blood vessels and arteries, which helps to maintain a healthy heart, while also improving muscle and nervous system function. [8]
Side Effects of Cabbage Juice
There are very few side effects of drinking cabbage juice, although it is important to note that some people experience an increase in gas and bloating, while others report an increase in gut inflammation. Most of these side effects can be readily avoided if you practice moderation.
- Flatulence and Bloating: The active ingredients in cabbage juice, namely sulfuric compounds, may interact poorly with the bacteria in your gut, resulting in an increase in gas. This can lead to bloating and discomfort. Try a smaller amount of cabbage juice if you experience this side effect.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome: On a similar note, people with IBS have reported that drinking more than the recommended amount of cabbage juice results in a worsening of symptoms, including diarrhea, discomfort, and inflammation of the gut.
- Thyroid Function: If you are drinking a significant amount of cabbage juice, perhaps to eliminate a stomach ulcer, there is a chance that you could affect your thyroid gland. While iodine is essential for the production of hormones and the regulation of the thyroid, too much of it can be dangerous. If you have hyper/hypothyroidism, speak with your doctor before making this juice a regular part of your diet.
How to Make Cabbage Juice?
You can easily prepare cabbage juice at home and since it is bland in taste, you can try adding some extra fruits, vegetables, or spices. Purple/red cabbage tends to be slightly sweeter, making it a better option if you plan to mix the juice with other fruits.
To make cabbage juice, you should use the dense middle of the cabbage head, although you can also throw in a few of the outer leaves. The flavor of this juice is also mild, making it ideal for subtly blending with other vegetable or fruit juices. Let’s take a look at its recipe.
Cabbage Juice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized green/red cabbage (finely chopped)
- 1/2 an apple (peeled and cored)
- 1 inch fresh ginger root (peeled and sliced)
- 1 lemon (peeled)
- 1 cup filtered water
Instructions
- To make cabbage juice, start by chopping, peeling, and slicing all the aforementioned ingredients.
- Add all the ingredients to your blender and blend for 2-3 minutes until the consistency is that of a smooth puree.
- Now, place a cheesecloth over the top of a bowl or container and strain the cabbage mixture through the cheesecloth.
- Press or squeeze the cheesecloth to get all of the remaining juice into the container.
- Garnish the juice with a cabbage leaf and serve it chilled!
Notes
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