Today is National Cabbage Day — and I’m sure you’re jumping out of your chair with excitement.

But stay with me.

You’ve probably noticed I don’t usually spotlight one specific food. For good reason. Most real, whole foods offer unique health benefits, and I typically encourage variety so your body’s nutrient needs are fully covered.

That said… there is one humble vegetable that stands out as a true nutritional powerhouse — not just “good for you,” but deeply protective against disease, including our top two killers: heart disease and cancer.

It’s good old cabbage.

Before you wrinkle your nose at this often-underappreciated cruciferous vegetable, let me show you why it deserves a regular spot on your weekly grocery list — plus I’ll share two simple, delicious recipes that may just make you a cabbage lover.

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🥬 A Nutrient Gold Mine (That’s Waistline Friendly)

Cabbage delivers impressive nutrition for very few calories.

Just one cup of cooked, shredded cabbage provides:

• Over 50% of your daily vitamin C and vitamin K needs

• Valuable B vitamins (especially folate)

• Amino acids, including sleep-supporting tryptophan

• Natural anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids

• About 14% of your daily fiber needs

All for only 33 calories.

Cabbage is also rich in antioxidants, including:

• Choline

• Beta-carotene

• Lutein and zeaxanthin

• Flavonoids like quercetin, kaempferol, and apigenin

In short: big nutrition, small calorie load.

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💪 Health Benefits of Cabbage

Few vegetables can rival cabbage when it comes to whole-body benefits.

1️⃣ Cancer Protection

Cabbage contains sulforaphane, a sulfur compound studied for its cancer-fighting potential. Research shows promising results in delaying or impeding certain cancers, including melanoma, esophageal, prostate, and pancreatic cancers.

Sulforaphane may also inhibit histone deacetylase (HDAC), an enzyme involved in cancer cell progression.

Red cabbage offers additional protection thanks to anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants shown to:

• Slow cancer cell growth

• Help destroy existing cancer cells

• Reduce formation of new tumors

Another compound, apigenin, has been studied for reducing tumor size in aggressive breast cancer models.

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2️⃣ Liver Support

Sulforaphane and isothiocyanates in cabbage help stimulate liver enzymes that neutralize toxins. That means stronger detox support — naturally.

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3️⃣ Heart Health

The anthocyanins in red cabbage don’t just fight cancer — they also help reduce inflammation linked to atherosclerosis and heart disease.

Cabbage’s high polyphenol content may:

• Reduce platelet buildup

• Support healthy blood pressure

• Lower cardiovascular risk

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4️⃣ A Happier, Healthier Gut

Cabbage is a fiber-rich food, which means better digestion and more regular bowel movements.

But fiber does more than ease constipation. It helps eliminate:

• Excess hormones

• Cholesterol

• Metabolic waste

If these linger too long in your digestive tract, they can be reabsorbed — potentially increasing risks of hormone-related cancers and elevated cholesterol.

Plus, about 80% of your immune system resides in your gut, so regular elimination supports immune strength.

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5️⃣ Ulcer & Gut Lining Support

Cabbage is high in glutamine, an amino acid that nourishes the cells lining your stomach and small intestine. This is why cabbage has been studied for ulcer support and may help promote healing in leaky gut situations.

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🥄 Two Delicious Ways to Enjoy Cabbage

Forget bland, boiled cabbage. When prepared properly, it’s flavorful, satisfying, and anything but boring.

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🧈 Sautéed Cabbage

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1 medium head red or green cabbage, cored and shredded

• 1 small onion, thinly sliced

• 4 tablespoons butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon (optional)

Directions

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat (cast iron works beautifully).

2. Add onion and sauté until translucent.

3. Add cabbage and cook until just tender — do not overcook.

4. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Top with bacon if desired and serve.

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🥗 Easy Homemade Coleslaw

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 4 cups thinly sliced cabbage

• 1 large carrot, shredded

Dressing

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 1 teaspoon mustard

• 1½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 2 teaspoons sugar

• 3 tablespoons minced sweet onion or shallot

• ¼ teaspoon celery seed

• ¼ teaspoon dried dillweed

• 1 tablespoon dried parsley

• Salt and pepper to taste

Combine cabbage and carrot. Mix dressing ingredients separately, pour over vegetables, toss well, and chill 30 minutes before serving.

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🌿 Adjusting to More Fiber? Here’s What to Know

If your recent “food groups” have been Domino’s, McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and KFC, adding fiber-rich foods like cabbage may initially cause gas or bloating.

Here’s why: Your beneficial gut bacteria break down fiber — and absorb much of the gas produced. If your gut bacteria population is low or imbalanced, that process isn’t as efficient.

That’s where a high-quality probiotic like Super Shield multi-strain probiotic formula can help. With 15 well-studied strains and 15 billion CFUs, it supports:

• Healthy digestion

• Regular bowel movements

• Immune function

• Balanced gut bacteria

When your gut bacteria are thriving, fiber works for you — not against you.

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The Farmer or the Pharmacist?

When it comes to protecting your health, it pays to rely on the farmer — not the pharmacist.

Put the power of real, whole foods like cabbage to work for you.

Your body will thank you in ways you can’t even imagine.

To your health,
Sherry Brescia