Healthy Eating - Cabbage

The cabbage is perhaps the most recognised vegetable of the Brassicaceae family. The Botanical name (Genus) 'Brassica', is the same as many other species of the same family. The cabbage is of the species oleracea.

The cabbage is a 'head forming' vegetable that can be used raw or cooked. Red cabbage is a cultivar used mainly in salads and coleslaws. The cabbage is a biennial though usually treated as an annual.

There are several common vegetables of the Brassica genus. Cauliflower, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, turnips, canola and mustards are the most common.

A common use of cabbage is the production of sauerkraut. Sauerkraut is made from finely shredded cabbage that has been made by a process called Lacto-fermentation using various bacteria including Lactobacillus. Properly fermented Sauerkraut can keep for months in sealed bottles.

Cabbage is a common cold season vegetable usually planted in late summer to early autumn. Cabbage is very depleting to the soil, pulling on much of the soil nutrients. Rotating crops with peas or other Legume crops and using plenty of organic matter to build the soil up in between planting's, will help repair nutrient depletion.

Health benefits of cabbage

Cabbage and Brassica's in general are known for their positive impact on the prevention of cancer. Research has shown the consumption of cabbage may lower the risk of heart attack.

Cabbage contains high amounts of vitamin K, which acts in blood clotting allowing wounds to heal quickly. People using anticoagulant treatments such as warfarin should eat cabbage with caution after consultation with your family Doctor.

Cabbage is high in B group Vitamins including, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B9. Cabbage is also a good source of Zinc, Potassium, Phosphorous, Magnesium, Iron and Calcium. It is also an excellent source of Dietary fibre.

The many uses of cabbage

Cabbage is often used as filler in Chinese dishes and stir-fries. An old favourite, Dim Sim's are based on a mixture of meat and cabbage.

Cabbage can be shredded or finely chopped and used to make coleslaw. It also makes a tangy addition to summer salads.

A Diet using cabbage called the 'Cabbage Soup diet' surfaced a few years ago. I don't personally feel it takes the place of a well-planned healthy lifestyle as a way of losing or maintaining weight. All diets should be used in conjunction with guidance from a medical practitioner or dietician.

Cabbage should be used as one of many vegetables to form a balanced diet and eating plan.

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