Cabbage is one of the healthiest veggies you can enjoy, featuring loads health benefits from all its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable like broccoli or cauliflower, and contains phytochemicals that help prevent cancer. China, India, and Russia are the world’s biggest cabbage producers in the world, while here in the U.S. we are way down the list at #10.
Cabbages are loaded with health benefits from all its anti-oxidants and are an excellent source of Vitamin C. The plant is also used for constipation and other digestive disorders and has anti-inflammatory benefits from glutamine and flavonoids. It helps to reduce joint pain, irritation, fever, and allergies and is recommended for weight loss. Finally, cabbage is good for your eyesight, brain, and bones, plus it even helps with blood pressure and premature aging.
Raw cabbage is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin C and vitamin B6. It’s also a good source of manganese, dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin B1, folate copper, choline, phosphorus, vitamin B2, magnesium, calcium, selenium, iron, pantothenic acid, protein and niacin.
Not Just for Sauerkraut
In America we probably think of cabbage mostly for sauerkraut — but it has many amazing health benefits. All over the world, cabbage has an illustrious history for thousands of years. Cabbage was first cultivated around 4,000 B.C. in China. The Celts brought cabbage to Europe about 600 B.C. In 1536 a French navigator named Jacques Cartier brought cabbage to the Americas. Captain Cook (1768-1771) saved many of his crew from gangrene when the ship’s doctor made poultices of cabbage for their wounds. In 2012, Scott Robb of Palmer, AK, broke the record for the heaviest cabbage on record weighed in at 138.25 lbs.
Even children’s legends talk about “Cabbage Patch” kids, they’re are are still popular toys. But in Russia, cabbage is virtually their national food. Russians eat around 7 time more cabbage than the average American. In Korea, Kimchi is one of their most iconic dish dishes. Most people think of kimchi as the fermented cabbage dish that accompanies the main courses in Korean restaurants.
Those with thyroid problems should avoid eating too much cabbage. It can interfere with the body’s absorption of iodine, needed by the thyroid. This applies to all cruciferous vegetables, as well.
Simple Raw Cabbage Recipe
- 1 head green cabbage, chopped
- 1/3 cup shredded raw coconut
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup cold-pressed olive oil
- 1/4 cup Nama Shoyu
- 3 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/3 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp curry
- 1/2 tsp cumin
In a large bowl toss all ingredients making sure cabbage is evenly coated. Chill for an hour and toss thoroughly before serving so all the flavors to blend together.
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