1. Improves Skin Health
Cabbage juice is full of antioxidants, including vitamin C and E, all of which help to improve the health and appearance of your skin. This juice will flush out free radicals from the skin’s surface and will reduce signs of aging, such as wrinkles and blemishes, while leaving your skin with a healthy glowing appearance.
2. Helps You Detoxify
Famed as a diuretic, people have been drinking cabbage juice to eliminate toxins from the body for centuries. Glucosinolates are present in cabbage juice, which helps eliminate toxins, unnecessary hormones, and enzymes from the body. Furthermore, it also helps to flush out the liver and kidneys, which removes more damaging toxins from the body.
3. Lowers Cholesterol
A number of studies have found that regular consumption of cabbage juice can help lower your LDL cholesterol levels, which is the type of cholesterol that can lead to heart issues. By balancing your cholesterol levels, this juice can help with weight loss, and improve heart health.
5. Prevents Stomach Issues
Cabbage juice balances the acidity levels in the stomach and can reduce the presence of stomach ulcers. Due to the sulforaphane and other natural enzymes present in cabbage juice, the mucus lining of your stomach will be strengthened and it will be harder for peptic ulcers to form. In fact, studies have shown that 4-6 cups of cabbage juice a day can eradicate stomach ulcers in under 2 weeks.
6. Acts as a Brain Booster
Research has linked some of the ingredients in cabbage juice, namely vitamin K and anthocyanins, to improved brain function and lower depositions of plaque in the neural pathways. In combination with the other antioxidants, you can decrease your risk of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders.
7. Lowers Blood Pressure
This juice offers a healthy dose of potassium, which means it lowers blood pressure due to potassium’s function as a vasodilator. This can reduce strain and tension in your blood vessels and arteries, which thereby lowers your risk of atherosclerosis, stroke, and heart attack, while also improving muscle function and nervous system communication.
Side Effects of Cabbage Juice
There are very few side effects to drinking cabbage juice, although it should be noted that some people experience an increase in gas and bloating, while some others report an increase in gut inflammation. Finally, when drunken in excess, the level of iodine could potentially disrupt thyroid function. Most of the following side effects can be avoided if you drink it in moderation.
1. Flatulence and Bloating
The sulfuric compounds may interact with the bacteria in your gut, resulting in an increase in gas. This can lead to bloating and discomfort, which rarely lasts very long. You should drink a smaller amount of cabbage juice if you experience this side effect.
2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
People who have 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.
How to Make Cabbage Juice
Since cabbage juice is a difficult to find in most grocery stores, making your own at home is a popular method. Furthermore, as cabbage juice is bland, it’s best to add some extra fruits, vegetables, and spices to your juice.
Ingredients
• 1 medium-sized green/red cabbage, chopped and cubed
• ½ apple, peeled and cored
• 1 inch of fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced
• 1 lemon, peeled
• 1 cup water, filtered
Method
1. Wash and prepare all the ingredients (slice, core, peel, and chop).
2. Add all the ingredients to a blender, and blend for 2-3 minutes until the consistency is a smooth puree.
3. Place cheesecloth over the top of a bowl or container, and strain the cabbage mixture through the cheesecloth.
4. Press or squeeze the cheesecloth to get all remaining juices into the container.
5. Serve chilled, garnish with a cabbage leaf and enjoy.
Source: organicfacts
Images: depositphotos