Some nutritious benefits can be obtained from consuming corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick's Day.

Karina Chiddo, a registered dietician and pediatric nutritionist at Cohen Children’s Medical Center at Northwell Health on Long Island, New York, advised Planet Chronicle Digital that we should not deprive ourselves of delicious meals during special occasions like St. Patrick's Day.

She advised that special meals can contribute to a healthy lifestyle when consumed in moderation.

St. Patrick's Day is traditionally accompanied by cabbage.

Chiddo emphasized that cabbage is a cost-effective vegetable with numerous advantages.

"This food is rich in vitamin C, manganese, folic acid, phytonutrients, and antioxidants."

She stated that antioxidants can decrease inflammation, which is associated with heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.

According to Chiddo, red cabbage can increase levels of heart-protective antioxidants and offer other benefits.

"Kimchi and sauerkraut, made from cabbage, can benefit our gut," she stated.

Chiddo advised that while corned beef is a great source of protein, zinc, and B vitamins, it's crucial to be mindful of portion sizes.

She mentioned that the serving size is approximately 3 ounces, which is equivalent to the size of a deck of cards.

"Saturated fats can be present in high amounts in any animal protein."

A registered dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Human Nutrition, Julia Zumpano, also commented on this Irish tradition.

While corned beef is a source of vitamin B12, iron, selenium, and protein, cabbage is high in vitamin C, vitamin K, polyphenols, and sulfur compounds.

How to make corned beef and cabbage healthier

St. Patrick's Day's traditional corned beef and cabbage dish can be high in saturated fat and sodium, but there are ways to reduce these levels and make the meal healthier, Zumpano pointed out.

She advised Planet Chronicle Digital to select a lean beef cut, remove excess fat, control sodium intake, and add more vegetables, such as carrots and parsnips, when preparing a meal.

Zumpano advised that traditional St. Patrick's Day feasts may include high levels of sodium and saturated fat from butter or meat drippings in cabbage, and suggested limiting portion sizes.

Experts advise limiting red and processed meat intake due to its link to a higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, as stated on the American Heart Association website.

Laura Feldman, a registered dietitian nutritionist and an assistant professor of nutrition at Long Island University in Brookville, New York, stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that the major nutritional drawback of corned beef and cabbage is the high amount of salt it contains.

"If you follow a healthy diet, the impact of one holiday meal should be minimal, but if you are sensitive to salt, it's best to keep portions small."

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