Like other cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, etc.), cabbage contains powerful phytochemicals with possible anti-cancer effects. Now, new research is investigating the potential of such compounds to counter ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease that significantly increases the risk of colon cancer.

A study from the US suggests that colon inflammation can be reduced dramatically in less than a week by the consumption of cabbage. Also, a positive correlation between the dose of the administered cabbage and its effect was observed. However, further research is needed to confirm these results.

There are plenty of reasons to eat more cruciferous vegetables, and cabbage in particular. One cup of cabbage contains 80% vitamin K, 50% vitamin C and 10% folate for just 20 calories. High cabbage intake among Polish women (30 lbs. annually vs. 10 lbs. for American women) may contribute to the former’s 66% lower risk of breast cancer.

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