Crazy for Cabbage (and the Many Heath Benefits of Cabbage)

The cold of February often brings runny noses and sickness, and one of the best ways to combat these winter woes is with Vitamin C. While citrus fruits may come to mind when you think of Vitamin C, you may be surprised to learn that cabbage is also a rich source! And what better time to celebrate this veggie than on February 17th for National Cabbage Day!

Not only does cabbage provide a substantial dose of Vitamin C, but it also has a myriad of other nutritional benefits. With its high fiber content, cabbage promotes gut health and is loaded with essential micronutrients vital for overall well-being.

But the perks of cabbage don’t stop there, it’s also incredibly versatile and delicious. From hearty soups to crunchy salads and savory stir-fries, there are endless mouthwatering dishes you can create with this vegetable!

Health Benefits of Cabbage:

Here are just a few convincing reasons to incorporate more cabbage into your meals:

Heart Health: Cabbage can provide cholesterol-lowering benefits when it is steamed. This is because when steamed, the fiber components in cabbage can better bind to bile acids in your digestive system. When this happens, it’s easier for the bile acids to be excreted which results in lower cholesterol levels.

Cancer Prevention: It contains a good source of sinigrin which is classified as a glucosinolate. The sinigrin can then be converted to allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), which has been shown to have cancer-preventative properties for cancers such as the bladder, colon, breast, and prostate. Each type of cabbage has a different kind of glucosinolate; however, they all have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which can lower your risk of cancer.

General Health: Cabbage contains antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and polyphenols. Your body needs antioxidants to fight off harmful free radicals that can lead to disease and illness.

Anti-Inflammatory: Red cabbage contains anthocyanin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. All types of cabbage contain polyphenols, which also provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

Tasty Cabbage

Cabbage can be eaten in many ways including raw, microwaved, steamed, or sautéed. Here are a few fan favorites:

Colorful Health Salad: A yummy salad that incorporates different types of cabbage. You can eat it as an appetizer or as a meal!

Cabbage Soup: The best way to warm up this winter is with a tasty cabbage soup filled with hearty tomatoes and onions.

Coleslaw: The rare warm days this winter will have you longing for those sunny months. Bring the tastes of the summer to your plate with coleslaw.

Corned Beef and Cabbage: Believe it or not, St. Patrick’s Day is coming up which means that it’s time for corned beef and cabbage!

Cabbage Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce: This tasty meal is packed with fiber, keeping you full and satisfied throughout the day.

This winter enjoy all the nutritional benefits that come with a tasty bowl of cabbage!