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Cabbage is a common vegetable found all over the world. It is from the leafy green group of vegetables. These were grown in Europe more than 2,000 years ago. The green leafy plant that grows close to the ground is usually called cabbage. However, it is known as head cabbage, cole, or kohl cabbage. One common use of cabbage today is in salads. There are several types of cabbage, differing in structure and form leaf textures and colors.
However, white cabbage extract is made from the leaves of the white or green-headed cabbage. This extract contains many nutrients beneficial to health. Some benefits include improving digestion and bolstering the immune system. These benefits have made the extract popular as a food supplement.
The main types of white cabbage with cabbage extract includes:
Green cabbage
This is the most common type of cabbage all over the world. They have tightly packed, bright green leaves with a dense, round head. Green cabbage has a crisp texture, a slightly bitter, grassy, and sweet flavor, and is packed with nutrients like vitamin K, vitamin C, fiber, and folate. It is commonly used in salads, coleslaw, stir-fries, and sauerkraut.
Red cabbage
Red cabbage also known as purple cabbage has deep blue-purple or reddish leaves. When cooked, it tends to be softer and milder in flavor and can be used in pickling, which preserves its crunch and adds a tangy flavor. Other uses are in salads and slaws and in soups and braises.
Savoy cabbage
It has a green head, but with delicate and crinkled leaves making it different from other cabbage types. Savoy cabbage has a more tender texture and a milder taste than other cabbages, offering a slightly sweet and earthy flavor. It is used in mixed greens and in stuffing cabbage rolls.
Napa cabbage
Napa cabbage is also known as Chinese cabbage. It has a pale green top with tightly packed leaves and a white stem base. It has a mild, slightly sweet, and sandy taste. It is used in making kimchi, used in stir-fries, and served raw in salads.
Bok choy
Bok choy is also known as Pak choi or poke root. It has dark green leaves on long white stalks. This gives it a notable appearance. Bok choy tastes mild and slightly sweet with a crunchy texture at the stalks and tender leaves. It is often used in stir-frying, soup, ta, and serving it raw in salads.
The extraction of white cabbage is often done using simple, safe, and effective methods that do not harm the nutrient content of the cabbage. Some common extraction methods include:
Cold pressing
It is used to extract oil from cabbage seeds. The seeds are cleaned, and then they are crushed to release the oil. The oil is then collected and stored in suitable containers. Cold pressing is commonly used because it preserves the oil’s nutrients. Those nutrients will denature if hot pressure is used in extracting them.
S steam distillation
It involves generating steam that passes through cabbage leaves to extract the essence and oils. The steam is then condensed to collect the extract and isolate the distilled cabbage water. Although this method is not common for extracting white cabbage, it is widely used on other types of cabbages like red cabbage to extract red cabbage juice.
S chopping and soaking
It is the simplest method of extracting white cabbage juice. Finely chopped white cabbage is soaked in water for several hours. This allows the nutrients to leach into the water. The mixture is then strained to separate the water, which contains the extracted nutrients. This method is often used for short-term extraction.
Fermentation
Leave finely shredded white cabbage mixed with salt to sit at room temperature until it ferments into sauerkraut. The cabbage breaks down over time, producing sauerkraut extract, a nutrient-rich liquid that can be separated and stored. This method adds probiotics to the extract, making it beneficial for gut health. It is also one of the most popular methods of extracting organic cabbage extract.
Blending and straining
This is a straightforward method of extracting juice from white cabbage. Chop the cabbage into small pieces and blend it with a small amount of water until smooth. The mixture is then poured through a fine mesh cloth or a juice filter. After straining, which separates the solid residue, the remaining liquid is the cabbage extract. This method is efficient and quick, making it ideal for extracting small batches of juice. It also preserves the vitamins and minerals in the cabbage.
While cabbage extract has numerous benefits, it is known to primarily support digestive and gut health. Some of its benefits are:
Digestive health
Organic cabbage extract is rich in fiber. This promotes healthy digestion by supporting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. It also contains compounds like sulforaphane and glutamine. These compounds help to heal the gut lining, which improves digestive conditions like ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This encourages the growth of healthy gut bacteria, which improves overall gut function.
Immune system support
Cabbage extract is packed with vitamins, especially vitamin C and vitamin K. This boosts the immune system, helping the body fight off infections and illnesses faster. Other antioxidants in cabbage like sulforaphane help to strengthen the immune response and protect cells from oxidative damage. It also contains glucosinolate, which may help improve the body's defense against illness.
Anti-inflammatory properties
White cabbage helps to reduce inflammation throughout the body. This is especially valuable for people with chronic inflammatory conditions. The anti-inflammatory compounds help to alleviate symptoms of inflammation like pain and swelling. The reduction of inflammation throughout the body helps to lower the risk of developing chronic diseases.
Skin health
Cabbage extract contains vitamin U and other antioxidants that help heal wounds and reduce irritation. This can be very beneficial for those with acne or other skin-related issues. Cabbage extract also helps soothe irritated skin, reduce redness and swelling, and provide nutrients that support skin repair.
Detoxification
Organic cabbage juice contains sulfur, which supports the liver in detoxifying the body by helping to eliminate toxins more efficiently. Its antioxidant content can help protect the liver from damage and support overall liver health. This aids in the elimination of waste and toxins, which improves overall health.
Proper storage of white cabbage extract helps to maintain its potency, freshness, and nutritional value. Some ways to store the extract include:
Refrigeration
Storing white cabbage extract in a refrigerator helps to slow down bacterial activity and ensures the extract stays fresh for a longer time. The cold environment of a refrigerator helps to slow down the decomposition of nutrients in the extract and keeps it fresher for a longer time. It also helps to reduce oxidative activity in the extract, which helps preserve its antioxidants. Refrigeration is especially effective for short-term storage (up to a few weeks).
Airtight containers
Storing cabbage juice in airtight or sealed containers prevents exposure to air, which causes oxidation, a process that deteriorates the extract. Sealed containers also help prevent contamination and preserve freshness. Use glass or high-quality plastic containers to store the juice because they are non-porous, and will not absorb the aroma or the residual flavor of previous contents.
Freezing
Freezing extends the shelf life by halting all enzymatic and microbial activity. This preserves the juice’s nutrients indefinitely. Pour the juice into ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers to freeze. This allows for portioned storage, preventing thawing of the entire batch. Freezing is ideal for long-term storage (up to several months).
Dark glass containers
Store the extract in dark glass bottles to protect it from light exposure. Light can degrade the nutrients and antioxidants in the extract over time, especially if it contains vitamin C and other sensitive vitamins. Dark glass, such as amber or cobalt blue, iss to keep them safe, while transparent containers should be wrapped in foil or kept in a dark environment.
Adding preservatives
Add natural preservatives like lemon juice or vitamin E oil to extend the shelf life by preventing oxidation. Citric acid in lemon juice acts as an antioxidant, while vitamin E helps preserve the oil's stability. It can also be done through fermentation which helps to extend the freshness by adding probiotics that act as natural preservatives.
A1: White cabbage extract is safe for most people since it is derived from a natural vegetable. However, people with specific allergies or sensitivities should avoid it. Those who are on medication such as blood thinners should also consult a medical professional before taking concentrated extracts. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should seek medical advice before taking the extract.
A2: Yes, white cabbage extract can be used topically. It is commonly found in creams, serums, or masks intended for skincare. Cabbage extract is often used in skincare products to harness its skin-soothing properties. These properties help treat irritations, deliver hydration, and provide antioxidants that protect the skin from environmental damage. Ensure to perform a patch test before applying it to the face to check for skin irritation or allergic reactions.
A3: The duration for which white cabbage extract can be stored depends on the chosen storage method. Refrigeration allows it to be stored for about 1 to 2 weeks. Freezing extends its life by several months. Storing it in an airtight container at room temperature extends its life by a few days. Generally, it is best to consume the extract fresh for maximum potency.
A4: Yes, while it is not a direct weight loss remedy, it can support overall health and aid digestion. The high fiber content promotes fullness and aids digestion, which may support weight management. Other compounds like sulforaphane and glucosinolate may help accelerate metabolism and fat burning. Though it has mild effects on weight loss, it should not be used as the primary method of losing weight.
A5: Cabbage juice should ideally be taken daily. This builds up the beneficial compounds in the body while minimizing any potential side effects. It is best to start with a small amount and gradually increase it to the desired dosage. Consuming the extract regularly allows the body to adapt to it and its cumulative effects.