Napa cabbage: The winter superfood for better vision and digestion

A salad for lunch or dinner is the simplest way to eat more vegetables. Ideally, vegetables should be included in every meal. However, at the beginning, it's worth aiming for at least two servings. In winter, we usually excuse ourselves by saying that the selection of fresh vegetables is smaller. It's true, but there are some options we often forget about.

Napa cabbage is still overshadowed by its cousin, the incredibly popular white cabbage. It's not only tasty but also extremely versatile. It can be used in dishes like sauerkraut stew, meat, and fish recipes, but it's especially worth using in salads. That's when it has the most nutrients. It contains many vitamins, including C, K, and B group vitamins, which support the immune system. At this time of year, that's incredibly important.

Napa cabbage is also a source of beta-carotene, which converts into vitamin A in the body. When this vegetable is included in the diet, it supports eyesight. This may improve visual acuity and reduce the risk of eye diseases such as macular degeneration. Napa cabbage is rich in fibre, which aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy digestive system. This component is especially desirable in post-holiday meals. Christmas and then New Year are occasions for feasting, which often end in overeating. It's worth supporting digestion during these times. This salad will certainly help.

Napa Cabbage Salad

Ingredients:

        
• Half a Napa cabbage
• 1 fresh cucumber, optionally pickled
• Half a red bell pepper
• A few cherry tomatoes, optionally sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 carrot

For the dressing:

                
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or wine vinegar
• Half a teaspoon of mustard
• Half a teaspoon of honey
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 clove of garlic, optionally
• Dill or parsley
• Italian herb mix, optionally

Preparation:

1. Finely chop the cabbage, and grate the carrot and cucumber using a coarse grater.
2. Slice the bell pepper into thin strips, and cut the tomatoes in half.
3. Combine the ingredients in a salad bowl and mix.
4. Prepare the dressing in a separate dish by mixing all the ingredients.
5. Add a crushed clove of garlic and season the dressing to taste.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix. Garnish it with finely chopped parsley or dill. You can also use the Italian herb mix.