Red Cabbage: not your standard leafy bulb

With today's health enthusiasts praising almond butter, Kombucha, and pressed juices, many are misguided into thinking that eating healthfully requires big bucks. Though plenty of these trendy products can provide you with a good deal of nutrients, some of the most unassuming and inexpensive foods can supply you with ample benefit, as well.

For instance, would you have ever expected red cabbage to be a superfood? You've surely seen the purple bulbs while cruising the produce isle (despite their name, they take on a purplish appearance); they're available year-round and are pretty hard to miss amid the misted section's sea of predominantly green vegetables.

So, what exactly makes red cabbage so great? Well, for starters, they contain a host of anthocyanins, antioxidants that may aid in heart health and help fight cancer, along with glucosinolates, also cancer-fighting compounds. To top it off, red cabbage may help lower cholesterol and is a good source of fiber and vitamins A, C, and K. Not bad for your average wad of produce.

To get the most out of red cabbage, it's best to consume it raw, lightly steamed, or sautéed. The more time cabbage spends under heat, the more of its glucosinolate content is lost. Another point to take into account, Greatist states that since cabbage impedes iodine absorption, a diet too rich in raw cabbage can lead to a condition known as goiters. You're unlikely to run into such a problem, especially if you choose to consume cooked cabbage, but it's worth noting.

For some ideas on how to incorporate red cabbage into your next meal, check out the recipes below:

Red Cabbage and Apple Salad with Ginger Vinaigrette

Basic Fish Tacos

Purple Health Smoothie

Red Cabbage with Feta and Mint

Quinoa Salad with Sautéed Red Cabbage and Grape Tomatoes

Over the Rainbow Cabbage Salad with Tahini-Lemon Dressing

Artichoke, Mozzarella, and Red Cabbage Slaw Salad