Cabbage: Versatile and Delicious Cancer-Fighter

If you had asked me a couple of years ago what my favorite foods were, I doubt the list would have included cabbage. I have to admit I had a bit of prejudice against this crunchy fellow, but after discovering the true tastiness and health benefits of cabbage, I couldn’t help but change my head on this nutritious vegetable.

Health Benefits of Cabbage:

Cabbage is a low calorie food rolling in antioxidant polyphenols and vitamin C, along with the important clotting agent vitamin K, but this is just the beginning. Cabbage has been revered for centuries for its anti-inflammatory properties and versatility in food preparation, but what has really added to cabbage’s credit in the last decade is its implications as a cancer-fighting food.

Cabbage is part of the Brassica or Cruciferous family of vegetables (Kale, broccoli, collards, etc.) All vegetables in this group contain glucosinolates, which may block the growth of certain types of cancers, and boost cells’ ability to repair DNA. Cabbage has also been used to treat stomach ulcers and other cases of imbalance within the digestive system.

So you can see why including this delicious veggie in your weekly salads, soups and stir-fries is a great idea.

In one cup of chopped and steamed cabbage (33 calories) you receive 91% of your daily recommendation of vitamin K, over 50% of your vitamin C, and around 14% of your fiber needs.

It is also a good source of manganese, B6 (pyridoxine), folate, omega 3 fatty acids, B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), calcium, potassium, vitamin A, tryptophan, protein (over 3 grams) and magnesium.

Worried you might get bored with steamed cabbage? Don’t be – There are a million ways to prepare and enjoy this vegetable. I’ll be posting some of my favorite cabbage recipes soon! And don’t be fooled by the common green cabbage; there are plenty of varieties to choose from.

Next: Six types of cabbage and a yummy cabbage salad recipe!

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

KARLOLINA G.

9:28AM PST on Dec 10, 2011

Love it all!

send a green star

Celine V.

11:59PM PST on Nov 21, 2011

Added to fav!

11:58PM PST on Nov 21, 2011

Thank you Alisa...!

Lika S.

12:27AM PST on Nov 20, 2011

We like cabbage at our house, even steamed Brussels sprouts. Off to the recipe place to post extras there.

rene d.

8:43PM PST on Nov 16, 2011

love cabbage thank-you!

Carol L.

6:27AM PST on Nov 8, 2011

I didn't realize there were so different types of cabbage. Very interesting article. Thanks for the recipe!

Deborah L.

4:18PM PST on Nov 7, 2011

I love fresh veggie stir fries. I didn't know cabbage was a good addition. I will start using tonight!

Alisa R.

11:18AM PST on Nov 7, 2011

New recipes now up!

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/cabbage-salads-slaws-stirfries-oh-my.html

Jo A.

9:18PM PST on Nov 6, 2011

Hooray cabbage! Thanks for the informative article and the recipe.

heather g.

1:32AM PDT on Nov 6, 2011

My foray into eating cruciferous vegetables is a slight addiction to broccoli and kale, brussel sprouts and less so, cabbage. I should be more adventurous regarding red cabbage because red veggies are even more nutritious. Thanks .........