31 Days of Raw: Day #19 – Cabbage!

31 Days of Raw: Day #19
Cabbage! 

When I first went raw, I tended to stay away from cabbage.  First, my concept of green leafy vegetables made me hesitant to use this pale green. The darker the green the better, right?  Iceberg lettuce is void of most nutrition, and cabbage is so similar in appearance that I simply found no interest in it.  I’ve also noticed how gassy I became whenever I had it cooked…so another key reason of my avoidance.  Then I learned about it. Holy moly this green is packed full of incredible nutrition!  No wonder it’s in so many Chinese dishes…they certainly know their medicinal plants! I have many wonderful dishes with cabbage in them, but I’ll share an easy one with you.     

Cabbage

Nutrition
Cabbage contains the B vitamins thiamin (vitamin B1) and riboflavin (vitamin B2). It also contains the minerals magnesium, calcium and potassium and some vitamin A and vitamin C. Cabbage also contains additional antioxidant compounds, known as indoles and sulphoraphane. Red cabbage is significantly more nutritious then white cabbage, having higher antioxidant polyphenols up to eight times the vitamin C content then white.

Cancer Prevention
One of the American Cancer Society's key dietary recommendations to reduce the risk of cancer is to include cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage. Studies have indicated that increased cabbage intake may inhibit the metastatic capacity of breast cancer, and cruciferous vegetable intake may reduce breast cancer risk. Other research data provides strong evidence for a substantial protective effect of cruciferous vegetable consumption on lung cancer. Cruciferous vegetable intake has also been associated with a decrease in gastrointestinal, prostrate, and bladder cancers. The anti-cancer properties of cabbage is due to its phytochemical compounds called glucosinolates, which work primarily by increasing antioxidant defense mechanisms, as well as by improving the body's ability to detoxify and eliminate harmful chemicals and hormones.

Glutamine
Cabbage is good source of the amino acid glutamine, which increases the body’s ability to secrete human growth hormone (HGH). Glutamine also has anti-inflammatory properties and assists with immune system regulation and intestinal health.

Peptic Ulcers
Research at the Stanford University School of Medicine demonstrated that fresh cabbage juice is extremely effective in the treatment of peptic ulcers. The anti-ulcer properties of glutamine are due to the high glutamine content of cabbage.

Anemia: 
The super healing effect of the superior chlorophyll in cabbage has been found to be good for blood building.

Breast engorgement
Peel off the outer layers of cabbage, run it slightly under the rolling pin and cap it over the breasts as close to the skin as possible, to soothe breasts engorgement.  Wear your maternity bra over the cabbage and leave till the cabbage leaves wither.  I have tried this and found it to be rather soothing, the preferred natural and cheaper alternative over taking drugs.

Cancer: 
Daily and frequent consumption of cabbage has shown to be effective in preventing and treating cancers of the breast, colon, liver, lung and ovarian. A compound in cabbage, sulforaphane, also helps protect cells from invasion of carcinogens.

Constipation: 
The slightly laxative effect of cabbage makes it effective in stimulating bowel movement.  Juice the cabbage if you need a quick effect.

Digestive system: 
The amino acid glutamine in cabbage is totally gentle and cleansing on the digestive system, detoxifying, repairing ulcers, healing and regenerating.  The juice is to be taken in small amounts of about 100 ml, three times a day on an empty stomach.

Immune systems: 
A compound called histidine in cabbage is found to be useful in treating allergies and regulating the T-cells in our immune systems.

Skin wounds: 
Flatten layers of cabbage leaves with a rolling pin, and wrap it around affected areas of wound/blisters, sores, skin eruptions (as in psoriasis), burns and ulcers.  Keep in place with a bandage, until the leaves turn yellow then change the leaves and repeat till wounds heal.  In between changes, clean and dry wounds.

Stomach and intestinal tracts: 
The high sulphur, chlorine and iodine content in cabbage have the significant ability in cleansing the mucus membranes in the tracts.

Weight loss: 
A substance in cabbage inhibits the conversion of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat, definitely a painless way of dieting.  Cabbage is also very low in calories, making it an ideal food to add to your diet to fill up without the calories. 

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Cabbage Salad

• ½ head cabbage, diced fine
• 2 apples, diced fine
• ½ onion, diced fine
• 1 avocado, mashed
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Stir all ingredients by hand in a large bowl. Enjoy! I like this wrapped into a lettuce leaf (or between two slice of bread).

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