The Real Thing
When I visited a small town in Poland many years ago, I was urged to try the local borscht. Strangely, the only cabbage I’d eaten up until that time was the neon-green side dish found at KFC in the ‘70’s. Needless to say, I had never really tasted real cabbage, the old-school miracle food that it is.
I was converted that day in Europe
The homemade soup was full of flavour and made me feel so good. When you consider how inexpensive, easy to grow, and filling it is, it’s easy to see why cabbage has historically been such a staple in many Eastern European and Asian kitchens.
The high nutritional value of cabbage’s powerful antioxidant, cruciferous extract, is often overlooked by the North American salad menu, which typically consists of iceberg lettuce.
The health benefits of cabbage include helping many conditions like stomach and skin disorders, arthritis, heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
The high fibre count helps gastrointestinal disorders and the sulphur contained has been shown to fight infections and speed the healing of wounds.
Anthocyanins
These fascinating properties are the focus of current nutritional research, showing that, particularly red cabbage, contains more antioxidant power than vitamin C.
Anthocyanins are antioxidants, shown to fight off diseases, reduce the risk of cancer, and improve nervous system and brain function. Combine these with the anti-cancer compounds, lupeol, sinigrin, and sulforaphane, and you have quite a team of nutrients working hard to keep you healthy.
Eat cabbage for strong bones
While dairy products have long been marketed as the best source of calcium, there are many more powerful, plant-based sources to turn to. Containing the essential minerals of calcium, magnesium, and potassium, cabbage protects your bones from the onset of conditions like osteoporosis and general bone weakening.
Protect your eyes and your prostate
Cabbage is a good source of beta-carotene, which helps to prevent macular degeneration and can delay cataract formation. Beta-carotene has also been shown to reduce the chances of prostate cancer, thanks to all the antioxidants on board.
If you rarely eat cabbage because of the amount of work that goes into chopping one up, consider the pre-chopped variety to get you started. Mixed with a good oil and vinegar dressing, it makes a great salad.
I often use it as a side to stir frys or other main dishes. I recently made a shrimp dish containing cabbage that’s delicious. Get creative with ways to add more cabbage to your diet.
I’m a big believer in filling in your nutritional gaps with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in supplement form. Here’s what my family uses that contains cruciferous extract.
Tell Me:
What’s your favourite kind of cabbage? Red, Green, Bok Choy, Nappa, Savoy? (Or if you’re like me a while ago … are you surprised to know that there’s more than one kind? 😜) Please comment below and share this post with your friends. You may start someone on a their cabbage-loving journey today!
Want more healthy lifestyle tips and tasty nutritious recipes? Subscribe here to get them fresh off the press straight to your inbox.
Blessings,
Sheila
