There are so many reasons to love cruciferous vegetables!! Taste, texture, fun recipes, and major health benefits!
Cruciferous vegetables are part of the Brassicaceae or Cruciferae family. They are widely cultivated and enjoyed in cuisines around the world. Naturally low in calories, high in fiber, and rich in micronutrients, cruciferous vegetables receive a nutritional A+. Research on this vegetable family has skyrocketed in recent years revealing numerous impressive and hard to ignore health benefits.
Joel Furhman, M.D, well-known physician focused on nutritional therapy, explains some of the most astounding benefits,
“All vegetables contain protective micronutrients and phytochemicals, but cruciferous vegetables have a unique chemical composition—they contain glucosinolates, and when their cell walls are broken by blending, chopping or chewing, a chemical reaction converts glucosinolates to isothiocyanates (ITCs)—compounds with a variety of potent anti-cancer effects. Because different ITCs can work in different locations in the cell and on different molecules, they can have combined additive effects, working synergistically to remove carcinogens, reduce inflammation, neutralize oxidative stress, inhibit angiogenesis (the process by which tumors acquire a blood supply), and kill cancer cells.” [1]
Common Cruciferous Vegetables Include:
Are you ready to enjoy more of these beauties in your diet? Check out a few of my favorite recipes and begin enjoying the beautiful benefits today!
- Gingery Thai Kale Salad with Cashew Dressing
- BBQ Cauliflower Salad with Zesty Ranch Dressing (Note: I use half the BBQ sauce.)
- Rainbow Kale Slaw
- Roasted Pear Walnut & Arugula Wrap with Sunflower Seed Dressing
- Bok Choy Tempeh Tacos (Note: I used half the Bragg’s Liquid Aminos.)
- Roasted Buddha Bowl
- Rad Rainbow Pad Thai
[1] Fuhrman M.D., Joel. GBOMBS: Greens, Beans, Onions, Mushrooms, Berries, and Seeds. Retrieved from https://www.drfuhrman.com/library/gbombs.aspx.