MY mate Kev Andrews of Honley has proclaimed the benefits of drinking cabbage water for ages.

That’s right, the water in which a cabbage is cooked. He saves it and drinks it. And so does his sister and brother, even though they are now adults and are no longer under parental orders.

I asked if this was a strange phenomena known only to the Andrews family. And no, it appears to have a wider popularity than I imagined.

Rita Payne tells me: “My husband informs me that when young, he and his brother used to fight over who got it. It only tastes the same as the cabbage. Neither boys ever suffered from boils or acne, usually associated with teen years, much to the annoyance of their mates with spotty faces.

“Hubby still drinks it now with a pinch of salt and pepper.”

Even Roy Wright, editor of the Examiner, confesses he drank it as a callow youth.

“My mum told me it was good for clearing teenage spots. So, being a spotty teen, I drank a lot. They did go away but this could have been coincidence.”

And Gary Driscoll says: “Read your article about cabbage water. I drink it as well. My mother used to say that it’s good for the blood. My wife thinks it repulsive and says it gives me wind. If you want to upset those around you try it with plenty of white pepper. It’s good.”

Old wives tales? Young editor’s tales?

There does some to be some science to support the claims. It is said to be good for the skin because of its vitamin E, does, indeed, stimulate the digestive system, and is even a hangover aid because of its vitamin C content, which also boosts the immune system.

There are even those who make cabbage water as if it were an elixir.

“Pack a glass jar with shredded cabbage, either red or green, and cover it with water. Add a teaspoon of sea salt for each pint of water. Cover the jar with an airlock and let it stand overnight or for a day. The next day, pour through a filter. Add salt and lemon to taste. Enjoy in a nice crystal wine glass.”

Er, no thanks. I've always been a beer man myself, which is also good for aiding the digestive system and hangovers. Drink enough and you’ll get one.