Cabbage A Dieter's Dream

Ancient Roman healers believed they could cure breast cancer by rubbing poultices made from cabbage on the chest. While this may seem absurd, Jon Michnovicz, M.D., Ph.D., President of the Foundation for Preventitive Oncology in New York City, says "studies have shown that if you make cabbage into a paste and rub it on the backs of laboratory animals, you can prevent tumors from developing. Don't go covering yourself with cabbage paste, just yet, because human cells have not yet been tested to prove or disprove this. To profit from cabbage's anti-cancer prowess, all you need to do is eat it.

A dieter's dream-- a cup of green cabbage contains just 20 calories -- this cruciferous SuperFood is an excellent source of vitamin K (for blood clotting and bone health), vitamin C, (with 45% of the Daily Value in just one serving) and a bushel of antioxidants.

In particular, green cabbage has the highest levels of two anti-cancer glucosinolates, which are converted upon consumption into a compound that may inhibit tumor growth. Research from the British Institute for Food Research (IFR) showed this compound disrupting the cell division of colon cancer cells in vitro. Unlike some chemotherapeutic drugs that also harm healthy tissue, this natural compound appears to selectively target tumor cells. Another cabbage glucosinalte is converted into indole-3-carbinol, which several studies have shown to lower risk of developing estrogen-related cancers, such as breast and ovarian cancer.

Yet a third compound released with cabbage consumption could inhibit the growth of human prostate cancer cells, according to research from the University of California at Berkeley. Investigators believe the indirect antioxidant is the first plant-derived chemical found to act as an anti-androgen (androgens are male hormones).

Further evidence of cabbage's cancer-fighting capacities is found in a review of 94 studies evaluating the bio-effects of brassica vegetables, published in the September 1996 issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. Researchers found that in 70% of the studies, cabbage consumption was associated with a lower risk of cancer, especially of the lung, stomach and colon. Broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts had only 56, 67, and 29%, reductions, respectively.

As you can see, cabbage is a head of the rest of the cruciferous cousins. For a delicious way to prepare this multi-layered leafy, look at this recipe for "Unstuffed Cabbage."

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with this healthy side dish:

Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 25 minutes Makes 4 servings

16 oz. of Cole Slaw

2 tablespoons of olive oil

5 green onions, finely chopped

1 can (15 oz.)diced tomatoes

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

2 cups whole grain rice, cooked

1/2 teaspoon salt and Pepper to taste

2 tablespoons grated Peccorino Romano Cheese

Chopped parsley for garnish

Cook onions in olive oil in large saucepot. Stir in coleslaw; let brown slightly. Stir in tomatoes, garlic, salt and pepper. Simmer 20 minutes or until coleslaw is tender. Spoon hot rice into serving bowl, spoon coleslaw mixture over rice. Sprinkle with Peccorino cheese and parsley.