Can Cabbage Act as a Colon Cleanser?

Cabbage--along with the other members of the Brassica family of vegetables, including Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, kale, and broccoli--is very good for your colon and may help prevent colon cancer. A sulfur-containing compound called sinigrin is released when you chew these vegetables, resulting in a synergistic chain reaction of compounds that promotes gastrointestinal health and may also inhibit cell division in human tumor cells.

Nutrition and Health Benefits of Cabbage

Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamins C, A and B1. It is also rich in fiber, calcium, potassium, iodine, phosphorus, sulfur and sodium. Cabbage juice is especially good in relieving constipation and aiding digestion. Cabbage contains glutamine, an amino acid that helps detoxify the digestive track and strengthen the immune system. It is high in antioxidants and sulforaphane, both of which protect against cancer. Eating cabbage builds the blood and aids in weight loss. Cabbage is also good for your complexion, both topically and internally.

Red cabbage, especially, is rich in phytonutrients that protect your body from free-radical damage. It has a higher vitamin C, manganese, folic acid and magnesium content than the other green and white varieties.

Preparation

Cabbage is best eaten raw to gain all the amazing health benefits. If you cook it too much you will destroy all of the important enzymes and deplete its nutritional value. Coleslaw is a great way to eat cabbage raw. Juicing is also highly beneficial and is said to help heal stomach ulcers. To gain the nutritional benefits of cabbage and other cruciferus vegetables, it is best to consume them at least three times per week.

Cabbage Soup Detox Diet

There is even a cabbage soup detox diet recipe, also known as the Sacred Heart diet, that promotes weight loss and colon cleansing. For one week, eat all the cabbage soup you want made from V8 juice, tomatoes, cabbage, celery, carrots, onions and green beans. Other whole foods--such as fruit, vegetables and meat-are assigned to be eaten various days of the week. Because you only eat whole nutritional foods, you body has a chance to detox and eliminate all of the toxins that have accumulated in the colon.

Precautions

Not everyone can eat cabbage. People who have thyroid problems or take anticoagulant medication should speak with their doctor before eating cabbage on a regular basis.