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-Terre Virna B. Tanquezon

It never occurred to me that eating raw cabbage can be a remedy for hangover until I found an article saying that Ancient Greeks have thought of that. Even Egyptians ate cabbage with vinegar before drinking sessions to prevent hangovers. So why not make freshly chopped cabbage as “pulutan” instead of those highly packed with calories and cholesterol. But don’t get me wrong, wait… maybe instead of encouraging people to eat more cabbage, this article will result to a more serious problem and encourage more people to drink more than they should. That is not what I’m driving at!

More than as a hangover remedy, there are other beneficial effects of eating cabbage. In fact plenty of benefits that I’m afraid the space allotted for me in this corner will not suffice. Maybe I will just try to highlight items worthy to take note. Why do I encourage eating raw cabbage? Because there is a higher chance of reducing  it’s nutritional value especially when overcooked. The best way to eat cabbage to maximize its high content of Vitamin C, B1, B2, B3 and D is to eat it raw as in coleslaw. By the way, I have read something that maybe  coleslaw originated from Holland because the Dutch call cabbage “kool” and salad “sla”, is it true Karina? Anyway, just in case you wonder how that favorite side dish got its name.

Another interesting fact about cabbage is it can cure peptic ulcers. A friend used to advise me to drink cabbage juice whenever I suffer from chronic gastritis . It tasted awful if taken alone but when blended with carrots and pineapple, it turns to a delicious drink. Although, I tried it once and liked it, I was uncertain if it’s effective. Just recently I learned that cabbage is rich in Glutamine, an amino acid that is the main source of energy for cells lining the small intestine and stomach. From now on, I will continue to gulp down cabbage juice for a healthy digestive system. What’s more, cabbage juice relieves constipation.  But beware also of too much cabbage juice, my friends. The juice aids in breaking down putrefying matter in the intestines which will make you emit foul-smelling gas.

So after reading this one, I think it’s not only the drinkers and the intestinal pain sufferers who will benefit from eating cabbage. Also the figure-conscious people should be tempted to eat more. The chemical tartaric acid found in this vegetable inhibits the conversion of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat. Isn’t it a good remedy for obesity too? Yes, instead of indulging yourself on your favorite calorific food, substitute it with cabbage salad at least once a day to get the whistle-bait figure you’ve always wanted. Excessive cabbage intake, though,  are not recommended for those suffering from thyroid problems. Cabbage contains goitrogens- a natural substance that interferes with the functioning of the thyroid gland. No wonder, doctors advise individuals with existing thyroid problems to refrain from eating too much cabbage.

Well, after learning the pros and cons of eating cabbage, the decision is yours. Whether alcohol or cabbage, excessive consumption is harmful to health. Remember, if you are going to drink or eat more; just be ready for the consequencesJ