Cabbage Nutrition
Interesting Facts About Cabbage Nutrition
In every head of cabbage nutrition is in abundance. While carrots are often regarded as superstars among vegetables in the world of nutrition, cabbage is not all that far behind. Cabbage has been a nutritional staple in many parts of the world for centuries. Cabbage soup has long been a favorite in much of Europe. Cabbage and potatoes, and corned beef and cabbage have long been associated with the Irish, and coleslaw had its origins in northern Europe. From Korea we get kim chee, a very spicy version of pickled cabbage, and Chinese cuisine contains many dishes based upon, or containing, cabbage.
Since cabbage has played such a major role in the diets of so many nations, it only makes sense that, over the centuries, there must have been a great deal of knowledge gained about cabbage nutrition, and the benefits there from. Cabbage is known for its ability to promote weight loss, as it contains few calories per serving (on the order of 15 calories per cup). It is very rich in vitamin C, a known fat burner. Vitamin C also is good for our immune system.
Cabbage also is a source of vitamin A and vitamin E, both considered beneficial to our skin and hair. The sulfur in cabbage, responsible for its rather distinctive smell when cooked, also is good for our hair, and is a producer of antioxidants and detoxifying agents in the body.
Like most vegetables, cabbage is a source of important trace minerals, plus fiber. Trace minerals are essential to our body's functioning down to the cell level, while fiber keeps our digestive system in top shape. Pickled cabbage, in the form of sauerkraut, is not only good on our hot dogs, but was a staple, carried on sailing ships to keep the crews healthy during long voyages.
Recently, new facts have emerged about cabbage nutrition, suggesting it may be a cancer fighter, or at least an inhibitor of cancer. While not all studies have been conclusive, it does appear that cabbage plays a role in helping to remove carcinogenic compounds from our system. What is certain, is that cabbage plays a "protective" role in our health, and is to be recommended as a part of our dietary planning.
One of the more interesting facts regarding cabbage nutrition lies in its ability to promote fairly rapid weight loss. While rapid weight loss can at times be bad for our system, especially when followed by weight gain, weight loss can, by the same token, also be healthy. There are recipes for cabbage soup which, taken with other foods, appears to enable a loss of several pounds in a week's time. This can be very beneficial to one's health, not to mention self-esteem, as long as steps are taken to maintain the new weight level once the goal is met.
All in all, facts regarding cabbage nutrition make it clear that cabbage, whether cooked, pickled, or eaten raw, definitely has a place in our diets.