HealthyLife Articles

Tag: broccoli

  • Fun Facts About Cruciferous Vegetables

    HEALTHY EATING

    A bowl filled with broccoli and brussels sprouts.

    *  The word “cruciferous” means “cross bearing.” These vegetables got this name because the four petals on cruciferous vegetables make a cross shape.

    *  Brussels sprouts and broccoli are rich in magnesium. This mineral is needed for hundreds of different functions in the body, including bone health, muscle relaxation, nerve function and blood sugar control.

    *  Cruciferous vegetables get their taste and aroma from sulfur compounds called glucosinolates. Glucosinolates help the body protect cells from damage. This could be a factor in preventing some types of cancer.

    Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Institute for Cancer Research

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • The Mighty Cruciferous

    HEALTHY EATING

    Different colored cauliflower in bowl, surrounded by bok choy, cabbage, kale.

    Cruciferous vegetables are among the most well-studied, cancer-fighting foods. This incredible group of vegetables is packed with nutrients that support good health and may prevent cancer growth.

    Cruciferous vegetables

    The name “cruciferous” comes from the cross-like shape (crucifer) of the four-petaled flowers these plants produce. They include:

    *  Broccoli

    *  Cauliflower

    *  Cabbage

    *  Brussel sprouts

    *  Kale

    *  Collard greens

    *  Bok choy

    Key nutrients

    Cruciferous vegetables are nutrient-dense, meaning they provide lots of nutrition in a low amount of calories. Some of their most important nutrients include:

    *  Vitamins C, E, and K

    *  Folate

    *  Carotenoids

    *  Fiber

    *  Potassium

    *  Selenium

    *  Glucosinolates, which are sulfur-containing compounds that are central to their cancer-fighting benefits.

    Cancer-fighting benefits

    While more research is needed, cruciferous vegetables may provide these benefits:

    *  Protect cellular DNA from damage

    *  Neutralize carcinogens

    *  Have anti-inflammatory effects

    *  Inhibit tumor blood vessel formation and metastasis

    *  Induce tumor cell death

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine