Meatless Tacos in Cabbage Shells

Everyone loves tacos though not everyone loves the extra carbs and calories that come with them. Meatless tacos in veggie shells are super yummy and a great low-carb, gluten-free option for taco Tuesday! These tacos are delicious and unique. We use fresh cabbage leaves in place of the taco shells and red beans as our preferred source of protein. 

Generally, the AntiCancer 360 approach does not utilize just one anticancer diet. We choose from one of five different diets taking into consideration each case and situation. And one of these diets is a plant based anticancer diet. So our recipe today is perfect for those following a plant-based diet and is looking to increase its anticancer potential. Focusing on beans for carbohydrates also makes this a “slow-carb” plant-based diet which can help with blood sugar and insulin regulation. This is also important against cancer. There are many health benefits in eating more slow-carbs like beans, most vegetables, and even some whole grains. They have a large amount of fiber and take longer to digest, so they don’t cause the same quick rise in blood sugar that refined carbs often do [1].  For this plant based, slow carb, gluten-free taco recipe, we substitute regular taco shells for cabbage leaves. They bring the perfect crunch, and its mild cabbage flavor compliments all the other taco ingredients.

To have the perfect taco shells, look for a round, medium in size purple or green cabbage. Make sure the cabbage is firm, shiny, and feels crisp. When all the fresh ingredients are combined, this taco is colorful, flavorful, tasty, and super nutritious!  Here are some of the amazing cancer-fighting ingredients that you will find in this delicious and healthy taco: 

• Cabbage: Research has found that sulforaphane, a bioactive compound found in cabbage, may help protect against cancer. Other studies have shown cabbage to protect against the negative effects of radiation [2]. Anthocyanin is another powerful antioxidant identified in cabbage with great anticancer results. In research trials, anthocyanins have demonstrated the ability to reduce cancer cell proliferation and to also inhibit tumor formation [3]. 
• Garlic: Allicin is a naturally occurring anticancer substance found in garlic. Studies have shown that the consumption of garlic in the diet may provide strong protection against cancer. Other studies have also revealed its remarkable ability in suppressing the proliferation of cultured cancer cells. To maximize allicin and its anticancer effect, crush the garlic and let it sit for 10 minutes before eating [4].
• Green Onions: Member of the allium family, which includes leeks, shallots, onions, and garlic. Onions are a great anticancer food due to large amounts of antioxidants and sulfur-containing compounds that are known to interfere with the growth process of tumors [5],[6]. Epidemiological studies indicate some connections of Allium vegetable consumption with decreased risk of cancer, particularly cancers of the gastrointestinal tract [7].
• Red Beans: Beans in general are an excellent source of bioactive compounds such as fiber, protease inhibitors, phytic acid, and polyphenols such as tannins. These substances have antioxidant, antimutagenic, and anticarcinogenic activities. Emerging evidence indicates that their consumption is associated with reduced cancer risk in human populations, inhibiting carcinogenesis in animal models and inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis (cell death) in cell cultures [8].
• Tomatoes: Tomatoes are filled with nutrients and other bioactive compounds well studied for their purpose in cancer prevention and treatment. A phytonutrient in tomatoes called lycopene, the substance that gives tomatoes their vibrant red color may help prevent prostate, lung, and stomach cancers [9]. Studies have also identified the lycopene’s ability to minimize oxidative damage to DNA and inhibit cell growth in human prostate cancer, breast cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma cells [10].

Give this recipe a try today. This meatless taco is crispy, delicious, and is going to look fantastic on your table.

If you can get all the ingredients in their organic form, that would be ideal. But, if not… you should get ingredients like tomatoes, cabbages, and green onions organic. These vegetables are known to be high in toxins if bought in their conventional form [11].

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