Cabbage: Healing Powers?

If you do a little research on cabbage, you will find claims for the health benefits of cabbage include treatment of constipation, headache, excess weight, skin disorders, eczema, jaundice, scurvy, rheumatism, varicose veins, leg ulcers, peptic and duodenal ulcers, arthritis, gout, eye disorders, heart diseases, ageing, Alzheimer's disease and probably a few others. WHY?

Here are some quick facts:

• Cabbage is very rich in fiber. This helps retain water and forms the bulk of the food and the bowels. Thus it is a good cure for constipation and related problems.
• Cabbage is abundant is Vitamin C.(Vitamin C, being one of the best anti oxidant, reduces free radicals in your body which are the basic causes of ageing. It also helps repairing the wear and tears in the body.)
• Cabbage is rich is sulphur so it helps fight infections in wounds and ulcers.
• *Vitamin C + Sulfur = Detoxifying effects! (purifies blood and removes toxins)
• Cabbage is rich in iodine so helps in proper functioning of the brain and the nervous system, apart from keeping the endocrinal glands in proper condition.
• Cabbage contains various other nutrients such as vitamin-E which keeps the skin, eye and hair healthy, calcium, magnesium, potassium, etc., are very useful for overall health.

So what will you make with your cabbage to help you live a longer healthier life? Cole slaw? Cabbage soup? Cabbage caserole? Add it to your salad or stir fry?

Did I mention it's rather inexpensive? Here is a recipe to try if you are feeling a bit under the weather or any time you are looking for a comforting boost of the rich nutrients in cabbage.

Cabbage Soup

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 onion, chopped (adjust to your onion preference)

2 cloves garlic, chopped

6 cups of chicken broth

1-3 cups of water (depending on if you add the extra potatoes listed below)

1 salt, to taste

1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

1/2 head cabbage, cored and coarsely chopped

1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian-style stewed tomatoes, drained and diced

*Some people like to add a 1/2 pound or cubed potatoes to give the soupe more volume and girth

*Another popular addition is 1 cup of cooked white beans (or 1 can of white beans, drained)

Directions:

In a large stockpot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Stir in onion and garlic; cook until onion is transparent, about 5 minutes.

Stir in water, bouillon, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then stir in cabbage (and potatoes). Simmer until cabbage wilts, about 10 minutes.

Stir in tomatoes (and beans). Return to a boil, then simmer 15 to 30 minutes, stirring often.

Interested in more recipes?

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