44:100 cabbage

44:100 cabbage
the boutenkos have sent me an article that i enjoyed.
they have been so wonderful with the informative pieces
they make available for our benefit.
i was particularly enlightened by their book 'green for life'
on the value of greens in the diet.

today we'll consider that article they recently wrote,
about a veggie that i really do love, red cabbage!
i enjoyed learning the point that red cabbage has antioxidants, comparable to blueberries, goji berries, and even to acai berries. especially when you consider how much those berries co$t!!
thank you for the info!

i grew red cabbages in my garden and they did superbly in my zone 4.
next year i intend to grow lots more :)
enjoy
xo
snowdrop

The Simple Miracle of Red Cabbage


Recently, Michael Greger, M.D. re-inspired me to include more red cabbage into my diet. I was watching his new DVD set called “Latest in Clinical Nutrition,” where he presented a study, showing that red cabbage posses a huge amount of antioxidants, comparable to blueberries, goji berries, and even to acai berries. It’s amazing to discover that the antioxidants in cabbage are equal to these antioxidant berry superstars, especially when you consider the costs.

I decided to check other sources and found a lot of useful information about this widely available vegetable. Red cabbage is loaded with glucosinolates – so called “indirect antioxidants” that trigger a cascade of the body’s own natural detoxification enzymes. A 100 gram (about 3 ounces) serving of raw red cabbage delivers 196.5 milligrams of polyphenols, of which 28.3 milligrams are anthocyanins. These are the same anthocyanins that give berries their vibrant colors. These antioxidants also neutralize harmful free radicals and flush them from your system. Anthocyanins make red cabbage the highest ranking cruciferous vegetable on the ORAC list (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity). Unfortunately, the researchers have only measured antioxidants in cooked red cabbage. I believe that if they calculate antioxidants in raw red cabbage, these numbers will at least double.

In addition to filling you up with fiber and water content, red cabbage’s anthocyanins may also support weight loss by increasing your body production of two hormones: adiponectin (fat-burning) and leptin (appetite-suppressing).

Red cabbage is full of essential minerals: Potassium, Iron, Calcium, Magnesium , Phosphorus , Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Selenium, and others.

It is also a very good source of Thiamin, Riboflavin, Folate, Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6.

Red cabbage contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids

Chop red cabbage into your salads, or simply cut it in colorful pieces and munch on during the day as a snack.

Enjoy!
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wiki says this about it...

The red cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. rubra) is a sort of cabbage, also known as Red Kraut or Blue Kraut after preparation. Its leaves are coloured dark red/purple. However, the plant changes its colour according to the pH value of the soil, due to a pigmentanthocyanin. On acidic soils, the leaves grow more reddish while an alkaline soil will produce rather greenish-yellow coloured cabbages. This explains the fact that the very same plant is known by different colours in various regions. Furthermore, the juice of red cabbage can be used as a home-made pH indicator, turning red in acid and blue in basic solutions. It can be found in Northern Europe, throughout the Americas, and in China. called

On cooking, red cabbage will normally turn blue. To retain the red colour it is necessary to add vinegar or acidic fruit to the pot.

Red cabbage needs well fertilized soil and sufficient humidity to grow. It is a seasonal plant which is seeded in spring and harvested in late fall. Red cabbage is a better keeper than its "white" relatives and does not need to be converted to sauerkraut to last the winter.

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The Incredible Health Benefits of Red Cabbage

In the delightful world of fruits and vegetables, red usually means healthy, and few can deny the health benefits of a shiny, red apple or freshly picked tomato. Red cabbage may not be the first red veggie that comes to mind, but this easy-to-find vegetable has some very convincing health properties that make it a good addition to the grocery cart. What are the health benefits of red cabbage?

Health Benefits of Red Cabbage: It Gives Cancer the Heave Ho

Red cabbage is a good source of phytonutrients that help to detoxify pollutants and other carginogens that most people are exposed to on a daily basis. Like other cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, it’s high in glucosinolates, compounds which are metabolized by the body to form powerful cancer fighting chemicals known as isothiocyanates. Isothiocyanates activate the P450 liver enzymes that break down carcinogens, allowing them to be safely eliminated from the body. People who consume high quantities of cruciferous vegetables have been shown to have a lower risk of certain types of cancer. Red cabbage is also a good source of indoles, compounds that may reduce the risk of breast cancer by altering estrogen metabolism.

Health Benefits of Red Cabbage: It’s high in Vitamins A and C

Vitamins A and C are vitamins with strong antioxidant properties and red cabbage is a good source of both, particularly vitamin C. One serving provides three-quarters of the daily recommended quantity of this vitamin which is important for maintaining healthy skin and connective tissue. Who says citrus fruits are the only good source of vitamin C?

Health Benefits of Red Cabbage: It’s a Real Diet Food

Red cabbage is a guilt-free food if you’re a calorie counter. One cup of red cabbage has under thirty fat-free calories. The relatively high fiber content of red cabbage makes it a filling and satisfying side dish. No wonder the cabbage soup diet was so popular!

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Health Benefits of Red Cabbage: It’s Better than It’s Green Cousin

Green cabbage may be healthy, but red cabbage is better. Would you believe that red cabbage has twice the vitamin C content of green cabbage? Plus, red cabbage is a rich source of anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid that gives red cabbage it’s deep red- purple coloration. There’s increasing evidence in animals that anthocyanins help to promote brain health as well as protect against cancer.

The Bottom Line?

There’s little doubt that red cabbage is one healthy vegetable, but the indigestible fiber in those crimson leaves can cause flatulence and may need to be eaten in moderation. Enjoy the many health benefits of red cabbage!

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and for fun... some chemistry :)

How to Make Red Cabbage pH Indicator
If you have ever wondered whether a home chemical was an acid or a base, you can fine out easily by making a cabbage pH indicator. See to the make the cabbage pH indicator using everyday materials found in your home.