The name "vitamin U" originates from the English word "ulcer", as researchers in the 1950s connected it with faster healing of those painful gastric ulcers. In reality, it is a compound called S-methylmethionine, which belongs to substances derived from amino acids (proteins' building blocks). Simply put, it is a natural healing substance hidden in cabbage leaves.
Where can we find vitamin U in nature?
If you enjoy fresh vegetables, you have probably consumed a good amount of vitamin U without even knowing it. It is most abundant in:
- fresh cabbage (mostly in the juice obtained by pressing),
- sauerkraut, which is also a rich source of probiotics,
- kale,
- broccoli and Brussels sprouts,
- asparagus.
Smaller amounts can also be found in spinach, parsley, chard, bell peppers, onions, avocados, and even in the crunchy parts of plants such as skins, stems, and roots. Interestingly, the most vitamin U is preserved in fresh parts of vegetables, while cooking significantly reduces its content. According to some studies, cooking can lead to a loss of up to 60% of this valuable substance.
Why is vitamin U important for the stomach?
Recent research has shown that vitamin U has a special power in protecting the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. At a time when more and more people suffer from gastritis (inflammation of the gastric mucosa) or ulcers, often caused by stress and improper diet, this is very significant.
Statistics show that as many as 20% of European adults experience stomach ulcers at least once in their lifetime. Although medications exist, many people seek natural support to help calm their stomachs faster.
Vitamin U works by helping to strengthen the protective layer of the stomach and speeding up the regeneration of damaged cells. One study from 2020, published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, showed that people who drank cabbage juice for three weeks experienced up to 55% faster pain relief compared to those taking conventional medications.
The power of cabbage and folk wisdom
Cabbage has long been considered a healing remedy from the garden. Old wives' tales claimed that one cabbage head could be used for ten ailments. In addition to stomach problems, people would apply cabbage leaves to painful joints, use them for wound healing, and even as compresses for headaches.
Interestingly, during World War II, American soldiers in military hospitals used fresh cabbage juice to relieve stomach ulcers when they did not have enough medications. Archives show that soldiers who drank half a cup of cabbage juice a day recovered on average 9 days faster than others.
Vitamin U and liver detoxification
In addition to the stomach, vitamin U also plays another role: it aids in liver detoxification. The liver is the largest filter in our body, processing over 1.5 liters of blood per minute, eliminating toxins, and metabolizing food. If we overload it with alcohol, fatty foods, or medications, signs of fatigue quickly appear.
Research from 2021 has shown that vitamin U promotes the action of enzymes that cleanse the liver and help remove harmful substances. Hence, it is now even found in some dietary supplements for detox programs.
Another interesting fact: vitamin U is not only beneficial for internal organs but also for the skin. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is used in cosmetic creams that soothe redness and aid in skin regeneration after sun exposure. Industry data indicates that by 2025, over 120 cosmetic products on the market already contained an extract of vitamin U.
What about a deficiency of vitamin U?
Since vitamin U is not a true vitamin, there are no official daily recommendations like those for vitamins C or D. Doctors also do not discuss vitamin U deficiency. However, researchers warn that a lack of vegetables in the diet (especially cabbage) can increase the risk of stomach issues. Over the past five years, cabbage consumption in Europe has decreased by 18%, as younger generations less frequently include it in their diet. At the same time, there is a rise in reflux and gastritis issues, affecting over 30% of individuals between 25 and 45 years old.
How can you obtain vitamin U yourself?
The most natural and effective way is to consume fresh vegetables. Cabbage juice has shown to be the most effective. If you have a juicer, try juicing half a glass of fresh cabbage, possibly with the addition of apple for a better taste.
If you don't have a juicer, sauerkraut is also a good solution, containing not only vitamin U but also probiotic bacteria, which are excellent for the intestines. According to a study from 2023, regularly consuming sauerkraut reduces the frequency of stomach issues in adults by up to 25%.
An inexpensive and domestic solution for the stomach
We live in times where people often resort to expensive pills and supplements. However, nature often provides simple and affordable solutions. An average cabbage head costs less than 2 euros, and from it, you can prepare enough juice for a whole week. Although vitamin U is not as well-researched as traditional vitamins, the history of its use and an increasing number of new studies are clear evidence that plain cabbage can become your greatest ally in stomach problems.
Perhaps it is not a coincidence that our grandparents had cabbage on the table almost every day in soup, salad, cooked, or fermented. And if you're wondering today what could improve your health in a simple way, the answer can be very familiar and very old: a cup of cabbage juice.
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