The Cabbage Soup Diet has been the subject of a diet controversy. Experts say that the diet is one of the unhealthiest ones in the market today. It can guarantee 10 pounds worth of weight loss in one week if followed strictly. However, experts say that what you lose is mostly water weight and lean muscle tissue and not fat. Because of the dangerously low calorie content, it can result to certain medical repercussions. Some of the cabbage soup dieters have reported weakness, irritability and loss of concentration which are quite normal for people who are consuming very little food.

Medical experts also advise against taking the diet for more than 1 week because doing so can result to malnourishment or sickness. The Cabbage Soup Diet is actually a seven-day diet that is recommended for people who need to drastically lose weight. Its origins are unknown although some theories have surfaced as to where and when it started. Some people say this is a diet designed for trainees in the military. Others say the diet was created for diabetics who need to lose weight fast for surgical procedures. However, there has no confirmation for this yet.

The criticisms against the diet have far outweighed the benefits. Although the Cabbage Soup Diet has been proven to be unhealthy for long-term weight loss, cabbage still has nutritional value that can supplement the diet. Cabbage is rich in manganese, calcium and potassium, as well as phosphorus, iron and magnesium. A green leafy vegetable, it is an excellent source of fiber that can help in digestion and prevent constipation. A regular source of fiber can also prevent the occurrence of colon cancer and other digestive problems.

Cabbage is also a source of folate and omega-3 fatty acids, known to help with brain development in young children as well as maintain a sharp mind in adults. Aside from Vitamin C, thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6 and riboflavin can be found in cabbages as well as some amounts of vitamin A, vitamin k and protein content. Cabbage has been found to have very low calorie content and is therefore perfect for weight loss. In a head of cabbage, only about 25 calories can be found. It has almost zero saturated fat content and cholesterol. It contains no carbohydrates.

The Cabbage Soup recipe includes green onions and green peppers, the first being rich in carbohydrates, potassium and dietary fiber and the latter contains riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, vitamin C, calcium, iron and magnesium. Tomato which forms as the liquid base of the soup is rich in vitamin C and A, almost 20 percent of the recommended daily dietary allowance. It has some amounts of iron and is fiber-rich. An antioxidant called lycopene is present in tomatoes which are known to fight against certain forms of cancer. Celery is fiber-enriched and is known to fight constipation. It also contains vitamin C.

Although the nutritional content of the Cabbage Soup Diet may be rich in some nutrients, its obvious lack of protein or carbohydrates makes it an unhealthy choice for a diet. It is advisable for short-term diets but it is not advisable on a long-term basis because of its ill-effects. If you are looking for a drastic loss in weight, this is ideal but its effects should be considered before undertaking the diet.