CALLING ALL CABBAGE LOVERS!

I have a tasty, happy-healthy recipe and it's packed with nutrition!

(EASY RECIPE BELOW)

Cabbage is an economical and versatile vegetable that is easy to find in any supermarket and it gives you a huge nutritional value. This vegetable can be eaten cooked or raw, or pickled 

( See my Sauerkraut recipe here ) 

Cabbage provides many health benefits. In fact, cabbage is rich in various phytonutrients and vitamins like vitamin A, C & K. These all are natural antioxidants, which help prevent cancer and heart disease inducing free radicals.

Cabbage is also a good source of dietary fiber, providing nearly 15 percent of daily recommended dietary intake. Fiber is very important for ensuring the body’s digestive system is functioning at optimum level. 

Some positive health benefits of cabbage are as given below:

1. Prevent cancer growth
   Cabbage contains several cancer fighting properties, including lupeol, sinigrin, diindolylmethane (DIM), indole-3-carbinol (I3C), and sulforaphane, which may help trigger enzyme defenses and inhibit tumor growth. 
2. Treat peptic ulcers
   Cabbage is one of the best natural remedies for stomach ulcers (called peptic ulcers). A study at the Stanford University School of Medicine found that fresh cabbage juice is very effective in treating peptic ulcers. The anti-ulcer properties of cabbage are due to the high glutamine content in it.
3. Anti-inflammatory properties
   Cabbage is good source of the amino acid glutamine and is believed to help those who are suffering from any type of inflammation.
4. Boosts immune system
   Due to its high amount of Vitamin C, cabbage helps strengthen the Immune System and help the body fight against free radicals.
5. Prevent cataract risk
   Cabbage is also high in beta-carotene which helps protect against age-related macular degeneration and prevent cataracts.
6. Weight loss
   Cabbage is a great diet choice for those who are looking to lose weight. One cup of cooked cabbage contains just only 33 calories. 
7. Reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
   Recent research has shown that eating red cabbage may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.  Red cabbage contains vitamin K and anthocyanin, an antioxidant to help reduces plaque on the brain, thus can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
8. Relieve constipation
   The high fiber content in cabbage helps stimulate the digestive system, and thus ... well let's just say everything with be moving along smoothly. :)
9. Skin care
   The antioxidants in cabbage help protect the skin from free radical damage known to cause signs of aging.
10. Relieve muscle soreness
    Cabbage contains lactic acid which known to help relieve muscles soreness.

To obtain the most health benefits of cabbage, avoid overcooking cabbage since it decreases its nutritional value especially vitamin C and the remaining nutrients will become more difficult to be digested. Cabbage can be eaten in various ways such as boiled, steamed, sauted, stir-fried or even roasted. But cabbage is most nutritious when eaten raw, or fermented as in Sauerkraut. 

EASY IDEA: Add sliced or grated raw leaves in vegetable salad for more taste.

Here is one of my new "easy" favorites. It makes a great side dish or add in some bratwurst for a complete meal!!!  I hope you get to try it soon! Let me know what you think! Live Well- Debbie 

CABBAGE-N-BACON DISH  Ingredients:

3 or 4 strips bacon, finely chopped    

 *Important: Look for bacon that is cured with naturally occurring salts, rather than the usual method of curing meat with synthetic sodium nitrates/nitrites. 

1/2 medium organic onion, chopped 

1/2 head organic cabbage, chopped
1/4 teaspoon red pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 TBSP white wine vinegar (optional)  

Directions:
Fry bacon until crisp and well browned.

Remove from pan and add chopped onion to the bacon grease and heat for 1 minute then add vinegar.

Add cabbage, pepper flakes, salt and pepper, stirring until all cabbage is coated.

Add the crumbled bacon bits and cover.

Cook over low heat until cabbage is tender. (about 10 minutes)
        If desired add grilled Brats for a great meal!

YUMMMMM!!!!