You have likely heard of the Paleo diet but may not have decided to try it. Eating like our ancestors did is becoming the latest trend, and paleo menus and food options are available everywhere now.  

Human beings evolved eating this way and are said to be healthier, leaner, stronger, and fitter because of it. The processed foods we are surrounded by are damaging to our health and have been slowly killing us over the years.  

Switching to a Paleo diet is espoused by some to be the best way to enhance your health and increase your longevity.

Why Go Paleo?

The modern diet of Americans consists of high amounts of saturated fats, sugars, and highly processed foods. These are the main contributors to high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and other cardiovascular diseases.

The Paleo diet not only prevents you from eating these dangerous foods but provides you with balanced and natural nutrition. The Paleo diet is based on whole animals, which means the meat, bones, and organs, as well as fresh or organic fruit, vegetables, raw nuts and seeds, and added fats, like coconut oil, avocado butter, or ghee.

The Paleo lifestyle will have you eating more produce than the average American, as well as more protein, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, and unsaturated fats.  Each of those are beneficial to your health, so it is a good thing to increase your intake.

What Is so Great About Cabbage?

Cabbage happens to be one of the many delicious and nutritious foods included in a Paleo diet.  It does not get as much attention as other vegetables, so people are not aware of the health benefits cabbage provides.  

This leafy vegetable has been used throughout the world and can be cooked in a number of ways.  When you read about all the beneficial properties it has for your health, you will be looking to include it in as many meals as possible.

Cabbage is high in vitamin C, containing even more than oranges, in fact. Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant that reduces free radicals and is also helpful for treating certain cancers, ulcers, and boosting the immune system.

The high fiber content of cabbage makes it ideal for providing the daily roughage that many Americans lack in their diets. By helping the body to retain water, cabbage can help improve several digestive conditions.

Cabbage is known to accumulate glutamine on its leaves, and this compound is a strong anti-inflammatory agent which can help relieve joint pain, arthritis, and certain skin disorders.

The presence of vitamin K and anthocyanins in cabbage make it perfect for boosting brain power. Vitamin K is responsible for the production of the myelin sheath around nerves, protecting them from damage and decay.

Therefore, increased intake can protect your brain from neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.

Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable, i.e.,  a great source of minerals, like calcium, potassium, and magnesium. These essential minerals are critical to the protection of bones against osteoporosis and other diseases.

The potassium content helps to protect against elevated blood pressure, thereby reducing your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues.

Paleo Cabbage Rolls (Golumbki)

Cooking Time: 60 to 90 minutes in conventional oven; 5 hours in slow cooker

Ingredients

1 large head green cabbage

1 lb grass-fed ground beef

1 lb ground pork

1 tablespoon coconut oil

1/2 white onion, diced finely

1-1/2 cups of grated cauliflower

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

8 oz crushed tomatoes

4 oz tomato sauce (not pasta sauce)

Instructions

1. Rice or grate the cauliflower, by hand or by using a food processor. You don’t have to use it all for this recipe; save some for a delicious fried side dish to any meal.

2. In a large bowl, mix the beef, pork, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Put a large pot of water on the stove over high heat. To prepare the cabbage for rolling, you’ll lightly boil it whole and peel the leaves off a few at a time.

Cut the core out of the cabbage and place in the pot. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.

As the leaves soften, you can peel them off with a spoon, taking care not to rip them in half. You can also just throw the whole cabbage in and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The outermost leaves will become very soft but still usable.

In either case, peel as many of the leaves off as you can and let them cool.

4. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of coconut oil. Add the onion and grated cauliflower and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and the cauliflower is softened. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes.

5. Combine the onion and cauliflower with the meat and then mix by hand.

6. Roll the golumbki by holding a cabbage leaf, concave side up with the stem toward you, and placing a large spoonful of the meat mixture at the stem end. Then roll forward, fold the sides in and end with the seam down.

7. Mix the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce in a bowl. Put 1 cup in the bottom of a slow cooker or casserole dish. Lay the golumbki in with the seam side down. Cover with the remaining tomato mixture once the slow cooker is full.

8. For a slow cooker, cook on low for 5 hours. If using the oven, cover the top of the dish with foil and bake for 60-90 minutes at 350°F.

The Bottom Line

Switching to the Paleo way does not mean you have to go hunt, kill and gather your food like our ancestors. What it does mean is that you will focus on eating natural, whole foods with extensive benefits to your health.

And with delicious recipes like the one listed above, there will never be a dull or unhealthy dinner in your house again.