Can cabbage prevent breast cancer? Studies seem to indicate that it might. Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable eaten mostly in salads or as sauerkraut in the United States, but used as a major part of diets in other countries due to the relative ease with which it can be grown, and its inexpensiveness at the market. Cruciferous vegetables ( which include broccoli, Brussels sprouts and collard or mustard greens as well as all forms of cabbage) are known to contain high level of active phytochemicals called glucosinates. The body can easily metabolize these into anti-carcinogens called isothiocyanates.

 

94 studies were done evaluating the relationship between cruciferous, or Brassica, vegetables and the reduced risk of cancer. In 70% of these studies, cabbage consumption was associated with a lowered risk of cancer. The antioxidants and other natural properties help reduce cancer risk by stimulating the body’s natural defenses to help avoid the growth of cancerous type sells. The isothiocyanates ultimately derived from eating cabbage encourage production of enzymes in the liver which can bind to carcinogens and eliminate them from the body. They can also affect the way estrogen is metabolized to discourage the formation of cancerous cells, by mimicking the production of hormones to inhibit an excess supply.

Women who consumed large amounts of cabbage throughout adolescence showed the lowest rate of breast cancer, and women who ate cabbage in large quantities as adults also had a significant amount of protection against cancer. Cabbage only appeared to have an impact on cancer risk when eaten raw or minimally cooked, however, so its inclusion in foods like cabbage rolls or pirogues did not have any bearing.

In cases where breast cancer is already present, cabbage added to the diet is still believed to have a beneficial effect when used alongside cancer treatment to help reduce tumors and fight existing cancer cells. After supplementation, the cancer cells seem weakened and more readily eradicated with standard chemotherapy drugs.

A serving consists of 1 cup of raw shredded cabbage, and can be prepared many different ways. Coleslaw and sauerkraut are two good ways to get cabbage in your diet, as are the short cooked side dish version and the Chinese Bok Choy served as a stir fry with other vegetables. Other cruciferous vegetables can be alternated to total 3-5 servings per week, or 1 serving per day. The benefits of cabbage in preventing or treating breast cancer continue to be researched. Cruciferous vegetables have many side benefits and cancer prevention is only one!