Ovulation support with Sweet & Hot Green Cabbage

June 10 2020

Fertility Superfood : Green Cabbage - detoxify, hormone regulating, antioxidant and fiber rich

Fertility Superfood : Green Cabbage - detoxify, hormone regulating, antioxidant and fiber rich

In ovulation, our eggs are in a race to develop and mature.  The healthiest, strongest and most mature egg will "win" and to be released for fertilization.

In Chinese medicine, we see the act of releasing the egg from the ovary as a burst.  

💥 OVULATION 💥

It is an energetic event that requires energy.  It is “pure yang” with energy like that of a toddler - moving in all directions at once.  It is warm and fluid and in motion.  You may notice that just after ovulation, your body temperature rises, this is that energy that is released as the egg is released for fertilization.

To support this yang energy there are three things we focus on for ovulation: 

💥 circulation - good blood flow allows for the energy to move freely

💥 hydration & electrolytes - good cellular hydration is necessary for energetic explosive acts - electrolytes will help increase water absorption - and for that good egg white like cervical mucus that helps sperm and egg come together for fertilization

💥 nutrition - ensuring the proper nutrients to provide energy for the burst and release of the egg

We love this recipe as we near ovulation because it meets these three criteria for healthy maturation of eggs and ovulation.

Green cabbage is in the brassica family of vegetables - one of our Fertility Superfoods.  A sulfer containing food, it aids in detoxification.  It is a hormone balancer, provides a plethora of antioxidants to combat the oxidative stress that these young follicles are often subject to, which can help them grow and mature efficiently.  In addition of the great nutritional profile cabbage also contains lots of great soluble fiber to support elimination and removal of toxins and will help regulate blood sugar - also helpful to aid in the healthy maturation of follicles.

Chili pepper promotes circulation and and anything we can do to improve circulation to the pelvic organs will promoting warmth and kinetic energy for the burst to happen.

This recipe was adapted from The Art of Simple Food II - Recipes, Flavor, and Inspiration from the New Kitchen Garden by Alice Waters.  We swapped out the sugar for more glycemic friendly - maple syrup or honey.

 

Fertility Friendly Sweet & Hot Green Cabbage

INGREDIENTS:

- 1 green cabbage (about 3 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- ¼ cup vinegar (white wine, rice, or cider)
- 2 tablespoons light olive oil or vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon dried chili flakes

Cut green cabbage in half lengthwise. Cut each half into thirds lengthwise, so you have 6 wedges. Remove the core from each wedge and cut crosswise into
½-inch-thick slices. Place the cut cabbage into a large mixing bowl and
add salt.
Toss well and put in a colander to drain for 30 minutes or so. In a small bowl, stir together sugar and vinegar.
Immediately add half the cabbage and saute, stirring occasionally, for about 4 minutes, until the cabbage is wilted but still crunchy and not browned. Add dried chile flakes.
Stir and add half the vinegar mixture and a couple of tablespoons of water.
Cook for 2 minutes more and turn out into a dish large enough to hold all
the cabbage. Repeat with the remaining cabbage. Stir the 2 batches together
and taste for salt, sweet, sour, and heat and correct to your preference. Serve warm or cool.
Variation: Add other spices, with the chile flakes, such as mustard seeds, cumin, or coriander