C is for Cabbage

When I think of cabbage, I think of the infamous "cabbage soup" diet.  I was excited to know that cabbage is a cancer fighting food.    'Broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower have a chemical component called indole-3-carbinol that can combat breast cancer..." (http://www.cancure.org/cancer_fighting_foods.htm). Cabbage also has additional cancer fighting properties - "Isothiocyanates (pronounced eys-so-thigh-o-sigh-an-ate) stop carcinogens in three different ways, according to The Cancer Project: They prevent carcinogens from being activated, they counteract the effects of carcinogens once they have been activated and they speed up the removal of carcinogens from the body" - http://www.naturalnews.com/032377_cabbage_anti-cancer_food.html#ixzz28i7W2xZx

Cabbage can be eaten in so many varieties - cole slaw, sauerkraut, shredded to add to salad and stir fries, and in, of course, soup.  Cabbage also made The Daily Green list of 15 foods that does not have to be eaten organic - http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/eat-safe/Save-on-Sustainable-Gallery-44032808.  This cruciferous vegetable can be purchased at incredibly low prices at Aldi, Save A Lot and Walmart.  Local grocers have cabbage at affordable prices, too.  The Daily Green suggests purchasing heads of cabbage that have tight leaves and is heavy in weight. A great recipe for Asian salad is below - thanks, The Daily Green!

ASIAN COLE SLAW

INGREDIENTS
1/3 cup seasoned rice vinegar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 teaspoons Asian sesame oil
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 large head savoy cabbage (about 2 1/2 pounds), thinly sliced and tough ribs discarded
1 bag (16 ounces) carrots, shredded
4 green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
PREPARATION
1. In large bowl, with wire whisk or fork, mix rice vinegar, vegetable oil, sesame oil, and salt.
2. Add cabbage, carrots, green onions, and cilantro; toss well. If not serving right away, cover and refrigerate.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
(based on individual servings)
Calories: 55
Total Fat: 2 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 260 mg
Carbohydrates: 9 g
Fiber: g
Protein: 2 g


Read more: http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/recipes/asian-coleslaw-1202#ixzz28i9NfSzJ