Sunday, July 4, 2010

Healthy Frugal Food:Cabbage

Cabbage from BulgariaImage via Wikipedia
Cabbage is a real powerhouse food! Both red and green varieties reduce the risk of some cancers, boost the immune system, strengthen bones, aid in weight loss, help blood circulation and are great for the digestive system as well.

It is an excellent source of vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C and K, calcium, folate, magnesium, manganese potassium, tryptophan, protein, and fiber.

Red cabbage also contains pigments called anthocyanins which help reduce inflammation and have powerful antioxidant properties. These nutrients are believed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and lower blood sugar.

Here are two great recipes to help you get more of this delicious and nutritious food in your diet:

Sweet and Sour Cabbage Wedges

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 head green cabbage, quartered through the core
1/2 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
course salt and ground pepper

Cook the cabbage in a skillet with the olive oil over medium heat, until it is golden brown. (This will take about 3 minutes per side.)
Add the vinegar, sugar and 1 and ½ cups of water. Cook until it starts to simmer.
Lower the heat and cook the cabbage until it is tender, about 12 to 15 minutes.
Add salt and pepper to taste. You can also replace the salt with soy sauce, if you prefer.



Apple Cabbage Salad

1/3 cup of honey
1/4 cup of lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon of grated lime zest
1/2 teaspoon of dried mustard
1/8 teaspoon of salt
3 Granny Smith apples
4 cups of shredded cabbage
2 kiwifruit, peeled and sliced
2 green onions, chopped
Lettuce leaves

In large bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, lime zest, mustard, and salt to make the dressing.
Core 1 apple and cut it into thin strips. Add it to the dressing.
Add cabbage, kiwifruit, and green onion. Toss well.
Arrange the mixture on top of lettuce leaves.
Garnish wit the remaining apples, cored and cut into strips.
 

Irene Helen Zundel is a freelance writer, educator and mother, and an expert in child development, home schooling and creative parenting and home making. Visit her online at http://www.irenehelenzundel.com
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About Me

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I am a freelance writer, Reiki master, and educator, with diplomas in teacher's aide and child psychology, and numerous writing courses. I home schooled my son, who was born 10 weeks early and was expected to have developmental and learning lags. In 6th grade, he took an 8th grade standardized achievement test, and scored as a college sophomore in math and English. It inspired me to write a book, which I have given away for free! It is called Make your Kid a Genius, and can be downloaded at my website http://www.irenehelenzundel.com I am passionate about alternative healing methods; especially Reiki, aromatherapy, acupressure, therapeutic massage and music and sound therapy.