Chinese cabbage, oriental fresh medicine

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Chinese cabbage comes from China. Japan imported this cabbage from China and called it Nappa. That happened during The Japan-China war, from 1937 till 1945. After the second world war, Americans saw napa cabbage in Japan and start growing it in the US. From the US, the use of napa cabbage spread to Europe and the rest of the world.

This great cabbage contains 45% of the RDA of vitamin C and 38 of vitamin K. There is 20% of folic acid and 18% of vitamin B6. There are anthocyanins in this cabbage. These components have inflammation-reducing capabilities. Western diseases like diabetes, obesity, cancer, cardiovascular diseases are being prevented by antioxidants like anthocyanins. Scientists say that these western food-based diseases are caused by low-grade infections. Those are infections on a cellular level.

Cancer

Korean research shows that sulforaphane glucosinolates in this oriental cabbage are important components to fight cancer. Almost every kind of cabbage contains anti-cancer properties. That is why researchers are examining this kind of medicinal foods. In 2015 Chinese researchers did a study about the synergetic effect of plant hormones together with Chinese cabbage. They see a synergetic effect. The anti-cancer properties become more strong when a combination is made of Chinese cabbage and for example jasmonic acid. It is a great sign that researchers start to do researches about synergetic effects. A synergetic effect means that the medicinal properties of a plant become stronger by the presence of, and chemical reactions with, other plant-based flavonoids. 

Chinese medicine

In Chinese traditional medicine, the sprouts of napa cabbage are being eaten against gastritis. It is also used for reflux. Furthermore, this cabbage is a refreshing and cooling vegetable, just like bell pepper, Brussels sprouts, dandelion leaf, endive, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, zucchini, and eggplant. That is why these vegetables are especially good to consume in the summertime.

Medicinal kitchen advises for Chinese cabbage

This cabbage you use as a salad leaf replacement. You can mix it with other leafs like spinach, watercress. It is perfect to make a variety to a classical mixed salad with onion rings, tomatoes, and cucumber. It is very well possible to cut the cabbage leaves thin and stir fry them together with onion, garlic, and hot red pepper. Enjoy your medicine!

Sources:
thomas
My field of interest is the healing power of food. Latest scientific research shows that many food has medicinal values. I am researching whether people can get well by eating the right kinds of foods at the right time. What I have found during my research I write down in articles.