Is 2026 the Year of the Cabbage?

Between its affordability, versatility and nutritional value, it’s the sleeper superfood we didn’t know we needed!

Why You Should Consider Eating More Cabbage

Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable, like broccoli, kale and Brussel sprouts, that’s full of vitamins and minerals our bodies need. It’s a great source of vitamin K (one cup contains 56% of your daily value) and vitamin C (one cup contains 36% of your daily value). In addition to providing a vitamin boost, cabbage has many other health benefits. Here are a few:

Can help to reduce inflammation

Many conditions like heart disease, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis can contribute to chronic inflammation. Cabbage contains naturally occurring antioxidants called anthocyanins, which can help reduce inflammation.

Can improve digestion

Most Americans don’t eat enough fiber. Fiber not only supports a healthy gut microbiome but can also reduce the risk of some chronic health conditions. The good news is that cabbage is a good source of fiber. While cabbage alone probably won’t get you to your daily recommended fiber intake, 25 grams a day for women and 38 grams a day for men, it can certainly contribute to helping you meet your fiber goals. The fiber that’s found in cabbage can also help support your digestive system, promoting regular bowel movements.

Fiber Tip: If you’re not someone who has prioritized fiber in the past but want to start being more intentional about your fiber intake, keep in mind that you may want to introduce more fiber into your diet slowly. Consuming more fiber than normal can cause bloating and stomach upset if you’re not used to it.

Supports bone health

Did you know that more than 53 million Americans over the age of 50 have been diagnosed with osteoporosis or have low bone mass? Cabbage’s impressive amount of vitamin K is responsible for helping to maintain bone health. A boost in vitamin K, especially as we age, can help stave off bone breakdown and even improve bone strength.

How to Enjoy Cabbage

Ok, so you’re committed to joining in on the cabbage trend, but how should you eat it? Here are a few cabbage-forward recipes to incorporate into your weekly rotation.

Cabbage Salad

If you want to keep things simple and fresh, try out this cabbage salad recipe from What’s Gabby Cooking. With simple ingredients like fresh herbs, olive oil and lemon juice, cabbage really has a chance to shine in this dish. Make a big batch of this salad to enjoy throughout the week, so you can start reaping the benefits of cabbage with minimal effort!

Cabbage Steaks

If you want a low-effort way to eat more cabbage but don’t want to eat it raw, cabbage steaks might be the recipe for you. To make a cabbage steak, simply cut your head of cabbage into flat rounds, brush with olive oil and your preferred spices, then bake at around 400 degrees for about 25 minutes. In about half an hour, you’ll have a savory snack or delicious side dish that even veggie haters might enjoy.

Cabbage Pancakes

Savory cabbage pancakes, or Okonomoyaki, are a great way to use up extra shredded cabbage and are the perfect accompaniment to any meal. By adding eggs and a little flour to your shredded cabbage, along with a few additional ingredients for flavoring, you’ll be able to cook your mixture in a pan like you would traditional breakfast pancakes. Your result will be a crunchy, vitamin-packed snack. Top with a spicy mayo sauce and dig in!

Cabbage Soup

For a warm and comforting dish, packed with vitamins and minerals, try making cabbage soup. There are many variations of cabbage soup, but this version from Downshiftology is easy and fresh. The star of the show is, of course, cabbage, but this recipe also calls for other fun ingredients like diced tomatoes, fresh parsley and lemon. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty meal to sit down and enjoy with friends and family.

Because cabbage is such a versatile veggie, the recipe options are endless! So, the next time you’re at the grocery store, pick up a head or two of this leafy green to start reaping its benefits right away.

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