Diets based on cabbage have been promoted for years. Let’s look at the humble cabbage.

Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable along with kale, broccoli, and brussel sprouts. Cabbage was grown by the Ancient Greeks and Romans who held it in high regard as a general tonic capable of treating many health conditions.

Nutrients found in cabbage

Cabbage contains high levels of vitamin C and vitamin K. There are useful amounts of omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, folate, manganese, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

Cabbage provides these nutrients with few calories and at a low cost, hence its popularity in diets.

Cabbage reduces cancer risk

There are many studies that show positive results in the prevention and cure of cancer when eating cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables. The cancer-fighting properties of cabbage are thought to result from the high levels of active phytochemicals.

University of Leicester researchers found that a naturally occurring compound (indole-3-carbinol) in green leafy vegetables such as brussel sprouts and cabbage could be a powerful cancer fighter when used in combination with chemotherapy drugs.

Swedish researchers found that eating plenty of cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts and broccoli may offer protection against cancer of the pancreas.

A Polish study found the lowest rate of breast cancer among women who consumed high amounts of raw or lightly cooked cabbage during adolescence. However, even if cabbage was not consumed in significant quantities during adolescence, adding cabbage to the diet during adulthood also provided significant benefit. Another study in China found that women consuming high levels of cabbage had a 45% lower risk of breast cancer.

A study in Seattle showed that men consuming 3 or more servings of cruciferous vegetables each week had a 44% lower prostate cancer risk.

Cabbage and Alzheimer’s Disease

Research shows that antioxidant polyphenols abundant in red cabbage, can protect brain cells against the damage caused by amyloid-beta protein which is accumulated in people with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Cabbage and peptic ulcers

Studies show that raw cabbage juice is very effective in the treatment of peptic ulcers. In one study, peptic ulcers were totally healed after 10 days of consuming 1 litre of raw cabbage juice daily.

Cabbage and the thyroid

Cabbage contains goitrogens which can interfere with the functioning of the thyroid gland. The risk is not clear, but Individuals with thyroid problems may want to avoid the consumption of cabbage.

Cooking cabbage

Wash and cut with a stainless steel knife immediately before cooking. Cabbage should only be lightly steamed or sautéed for a maximum of 5 minutes. Many of the benefits of cabbage are only found if the cabbage is eaten raw or after light cooking.

References:

Beliveau R, Gingras D, Stojanac M. Foods that fight cancer. Allen & Unwin. 2006.

Cheney G. Rapid healing of peptic ulcers in patients receiving fresh cabbage juice. Cal Med 70 (1949):10-14 1949.

Cohen JH, et al. Fruit and vegetable intakes and prostate cancer risk. Journal National Cancer Institute. 2000

Heo HJ, Chang YL. Phenolic phytochemicals in cabbage inhibit amyloid beta protein-induced neurotoxcicity. Food Science and Technology 2006 May;39(4)

Murray M, Pizzorno J. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. 2nd Revised Ed. Prima Publishing 1997.

Verhoeven DT et al. Epidemiological studies on brassica vegetables and cancer risk 1996.

Stoewsand GS. Bioactive organosulfur phytochemicals in Brassica oleracea vegetables– a review. Food Chem Toxicol 1995 Jun;33(6)

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring form of organic sulphur. Sulphur, along with carbon, oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen, is one of the five basic elements composing the human body. sulphur is an important building block of nails, skin, hair and other tissues.

MSM has been heavily marketed lately. As you would expect, many claims are made about the benefits of MSM. MSM is claimed to:

Reduce stress.
Relieve constipation.
Detoxify and energize the body.
Improve blood circulation.
Strengthen capillary walls.
Keep skin and nails healthy.
Maintain the body’s pH balance.
Speed wound healing.
Reduce or halt hair loss.
Reduce muscle cramps.
Help heal Candida.
Heal varicose veins.
Balance hormones.
Aid nutrient absorption.
Relieve migraines and headaches.

MSM research

The evidence is mostly anecdotal, but research shows some benefits. Studies in rats found that MSM delayed the onset of chemically induced cancers. Patients with osteoarthritis of the knee who took MSM had significantly reduced pain and improved physical functioning. A throat spray containing MSM was shown to be useful for alleviating snoring.

Sulphur

In living organisms, sulphur is found mainly in organic molecules. Humans obtain it by absorbing the sulphur-containing amino acids methionine, cysteine, and cystine. Consumption of adequate protein should provide enough sulphur, and although sulphur is an essential dietary mineral, little mention of recommended intake is made. Since Americans consume way more protein than they need, sulphur deficiency is very unlikely. So it would seem that consumption of Methylsulfonylmethane is unnecessary.

Nevertheless, MSM may be a useful addition to the diet of some people. Scientific studies have shown MSM to be safe for human and animal use. Even at large dosage levels, there are no known significant adverse effects or drug interactions. Mr Cabbage Head suggests the use of Applied Kinesiology to determine if you really need MSM before you part with your money. Note that vitamin C must be taken with MSM.

References:

Blum JM, Blum RI. The effect of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in the control of snoring. Integrative Medicine 2004;3(6)24-30.

Hixson O. Acute intragastric toxicity (LD-50). Dimethyl sulfone (methylsulfonylmethane, MSM). Laboratory of Vitamin Technology, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, August 21, 1958.

Hucker HB et al. Studies on the absorption, excretion and metabolism of dimethylsulfoxide in man. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics 155:309-317, 1967.

Jacob S, Lawrence RM, Zucker M. The Miracle of MSM: The Natural Solution for Pain. New York: Penguin-Putnam, 1999.

Kim LS, Axelrod LJ, Howard P, Buratovich N, Waters RF. Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in osteoarthritis pain of the knee: a pilot clinical trial. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2006;14(3):286–94.

Klandorf H and others. Dimethyl sulfoxide modulation of diabetes onset in NOD mice. Diabetes 38:194-197, 1989.

Spallholz J, Boylan M, Driskell A. Nutrition: Chemistry and Biology, 2nd Edition. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press, 1999.

Rose hips develop on wild roses as the flowers drop off. The rose hip, also called the rose haw, is the fruit of the rose. Rose hips were called “the food of the gods” by the ancient Greeks and are regarded as beneficial for a number of health reasons.

Rose hips are available as an oil and as a powder. The powder makes a healthy additional to a smoothie. Rose hip seed oil can be used on the skin and is found in some skin creams. The Rosa Canina species is commonly used as a source of rose hips.

Rose hips contain vitamins A, C, D and E, flavonoids and iron. Rose hips are particularly high in vitamin C, with about 200 mg per 10 g of dried rose hips, making it one of the richest plant sources of vitamin C.

Benefits of rose hips

Research shows that rose hips reduce pain and improve general wellbeing in patients with osteoarthritis.

Rose hip tea is thought to be a natural cold remedy that soothes coughs and flushes out toxins from the kidneys and urinary tract.

Rose hip seed oil is claimed to soften the skin, build collagen and reduce sun damage that causes fine lines and wrinkles.

Rose hips and spirulina

Mr Cabbage Head suggests this potent start to the day. Mix 10g of powdered spirulina and 10g of rose hip powder with water or fresh fruit juice. It doesn’t taste that good, but it is a powerful start to the day. This is a quick way to start the day if you are in a hurry. Have a piece of fruit afterwards to change your taste.

References:

Christensen R et al., Does the hip powder of Rosa canina (rosehip) reduce pain in osteoarthritis patients? – a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2008.

Kharazmi A., Rein E., Winther K. A herbal remedy, Hyben Vital (stand. powder of a subspecies of Rosa canina fruits), reduces pain and improves general wellbeing in patients with osteoarthritis–a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial. Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology. 2004

Agronomists place this ancient cereal grass as being cultivated as early as 7000 BC and was been eaten by Roman gladiators for strength and stamina.

Barley grass contains many of the vitamins, minerals and proteins necessary for the human diet. It contains 18 amino acids, beta-carotene, folic acid, vitamins E, B1, B2, B3 and B6, and B12. There are useful quantities of minerals including potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, phosphorus, manganese and zinc. Best of all, this goodness is easily absorbed since barley grass is a plant not a chemically derived supplement.

There are no known side effects attributed to barley grass; actually the side effects of barley grass are fantastic.

Barley grass benefits

The main appeal of barley grass is as a source of easily assimilated nutrients. Take barley grass 30 mnutes or more before a meal for maximum absorption.

Barley grass is a rich source of chlorophyll and live enzymes including the antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD).

A Chinese study showed that barley grass was beneficial in lowering cholesterol levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Barley grass contain two kinds of fiber–some that dissolves in water (known as beta-glucan) and some that does not dissolve. Both types of barley fiber may help to lower cholesterol.

Barley grass’ high mineral content helps alkalinize the body and promotes an ideal pH, it contains the buffer minerals sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium which help the body manage its pH. Buffer minerals neutralize acidic materials and can help people maintain a healthy balance between acidity and alkalinity. Our cells cannot adequately function if the pH is not in a narrow range. Most processed foods along with red meat, coffee and pretty much everything in the typical American diet acidify the pH of the body. Barley grass can help rectify this situation, but obviously overall diet is very important.

Research has shown that when barley grass juice is added to injured cells, the cells’ DNA repairs itself rapidly. This may contribute to preventing the changes that often lead to cancer and rapid aging.

There are un-substantiated claims that barley grass is effective for the following conditions: skin diseases, hepatitis, asthma, anemia, diabetes, arthritis, obesity and even cancer.

Sources of barley grass

Barley grass can be made fresh, but for most people it is convenient to purchase barley grass powder. No doubt the quality of commercial barley grass will vary. Mr Cabbage Head does not recommend specifc products, but suggests avoiding those products where the grass is simply cut, dried and powered. Those products where the barley grass is juiced, cooled and evaporated in an oxygen free environment would be worth investigation.

References:

Hagiwara Y. Green Barley Essence. Keats Publishing Inc 1985.

Kanauchi O, Iwanaga T, Mitsuyama K. 2001. Germinated barley foodstuff feeding. A novel neutraceutical therapeutic strategy for ulcerative colitis. Digestion. 2001; 63 Suppl 1: 60-7.

Seibold, R. Cereal Grass, Nature’s Greatest Health Gift. New Canaan.Keats Publishing Inc 1991.

YuYM, Chang WC, Chang CT, Hseih CL, Tsai CE. Effects of young barley leaf extract and antioxidative vitamins on LDL oxidation and free radical scavenging activities in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Metabolism. 2002;28(2):107-114.

Camu camu (Myrciaria dubia) grows in the Amazon rainforest of Brazil and Peru. This relatively unknown fruit has been used by native people for many years. Recently camu camu has been exported to other countries with Japan being a major consumer.

The extraordinarily high vitamin C content of camu camu is of great interest. The fresh fruit can contain up to 3% vitamin C by weight. The fruit is also an extremely rich source of anthocyanins, with a particularly high level of cyanidin-3-glucoside. Compared to oranges, camu camu fruit provides 30 times more vitamin C and 10 times more iron. Camu camu is also a significant source of phosphorus and potassium.

Camu camu powder

Whilst more expensive than synthetic vitamin C powder, camu camu powder not only contains natural vitamin C but many of the minerals needed to aid in vitamin C absorption. Camu camu is a key ingredient in the The Mr Cabbage Head Power Smoothie.

Harvesting of camu camu

Wild harvesting of camu camu has intensified. Whilst it is nice to eat wild harvested fruit, there is a potential environmental impact. Camu camu grows well in flooded areas and the fruit is eaten by fish. Fish populations have declined in extensively harvested areas. The good news is that camu camu is easily cultivated and tolerates a wide range of conditions provided it is supplied with plenty of water.

References:

Justi, K. C., et al. Nutritional composition and vitamin C stability in stored camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) pulp. Arch. Latinoam. Nutr. 2000 Dec; 50(4):405-8.

Zanatta, C. F., et al. Determination of anthocyanins from camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) by HPLC-PDA, HPLC-MS, and NMR. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2005 Nov 30; 53(24):9531-5.

Try this healthy smoothie recipe for an afternoon pickup.

Smoothie recipe

goat milk.
2 teaspoons (10 mL) of maca powder.
1 teaspoon (5mL) of camu camu powder.
2 teaspoons (10 mL) of blackstrap molasses.
1 small banana.

Just put the ingredients in the blender and press the button. Vary the quantity of milk to your liking. You can use any milk except soy milk or cow milk. If using a rice-based or other pretend milk, choose one without canola oil.

The quantity of maca can be increased; it is a vegetable afterall. See Mr Cabbage Head’s article on maca.

Maca is a vegetable grown at high altitude in South America known to improve libido. Camu camu is a fruit grown in South America which is very high in vitamin C. Both are highly nutritious and readily available in powder form. Mr Cabbage Head purchases his maca and camu camu by the kilogram; this is the most economical method. A number of community based co-operatives in South America will ship these herbs and other sustainably grown products to you.

During the Incan empire, maca was cultivated for use as both a nutritious food, and for its enhancement of energy and sexual function. Maca has been used for thousands of years to relieve menopausal symptoms and increase energy, libido, stamina, and mental clarity. Traditional consumers of maca have a saying: “Maca is Life, Maca is Health”.

Maca (Lepidium Meyenii) is a plant that grows at high altitudes in the Peruvian Andes where the soil is very rich in minerals. Maca has been consumed for thousands of years by the indigineous population of the Peruvian highlands. The Incan warriors consumed maca before battle for increased stamina. Studies show that consumption of maca can increase libido in both men and women. It is no wonder it is often known as “Peruvian Gingseng” and “Peruvian Viagra”.

The Spaniards discovered Maca during their conquest of South America. The high altitudes were playing havoc with the fertility of their animals. At the suggestion of the locals, the Spaniards fed maca to their livestock. The results were dramatic; in fact the Spaniards began collecting taxes in maca as well as gold. Maca was shipped back to Spain where it was well known for its potency increasing qualities.

Maca should be regarded as a food rather than a medicine. Maca works as an adaptogen, acting through the hypothalamus and pituitary, balancing hormone production according to the specific needs of the individual. Through optimizing the functioning of the hypothalamus and pituitary master glands it also balances and optimizes the functioning of the adrenal glands, the thyroid and the pancreas.

Maca only grows in mineral rich soils making maca an important dietary source of many minerals including calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and silica with traces of many other minerals. The 250 mg of calcium per 100g of maca makes maca a very rich source of this vital nutrient. Maca is used in Peru to treat and prevent osteoporosis. Maca also contains over 55 naturally occurring, beneficial phyto-chemicals. The vitamins B1, B2 and C are found in maca in significant quantities.

“Nine years after Medicine Hunter Chris Kilham took an exploratory trek to the Peruvian highlands, a treasured traditional super-food called Maca has entered the U.S. consumer mass market. Today, Wal-Mart has placed Medicine Hunter Maca Stimulant(R) on the shelves of 3480 stores, coast-to-coast.” PR Newswire, May 14, 2007.

“This product opens a new chapter in healthful rapid action energy stimulation,” explains ethnobotanist Kilham, who is Explorer in Residence at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. “Maca is one of the greatest super-foods of all time”.

Maca has no known side effects; the Peruvians have eaten maca for five thousand years. Maca is eaten as a staple food, so you can eat as much as needed. Start with 1 teaspoon a day. Maca is a great addition to your smoothie.

References:

Kilham, Chris. Maca: secret of the Incas. Better Nutrition, Sept, 1999.

Peruvian Maca. Healthy & Natural Journal. December 1, 2000

Gonzales GF, Cordova A, Gonzales C, Chung A, Vega K, Villena A. Lepidium meyenii (Maca) improved semen parameters in adult men. Asian Journal of Andrology. 2001 Dec;3(4):301-3.

Gonzales GF. (2004) Of Maca and Men: Peru. In: Sharing Innovative Experiences Vol. 9: Development of Pharmaceutical Products from Medicinal Plants in the Developing World. UNDP/TCDC, TWNSO and TWAS: Trieste, Italy. 2004.

Gonzales, G. F., Gasco, M., Córdova, A., Chung, A., Rubio, J., Villegas, L. Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on spermatogenesis in male rats acutely exposed to high altitude (4340 m). Journal of Endocrinology, 2004 (Vol. 180) (No. 1) 87-95

Wright, Tim. Move over Viagra: an overview of the latest on sexual function nutraceuticals. Nutraceuticals World, June 1, 2002