Cruciferous vegetables contain folate, fiber, and vitamins C, E, and K. They can support your digestion and have anticancer effects, among other benefits.
We know that vegetables should be the cornerstone of any diet, but are all of them created equal?
Cruciferous vegetables have risen in popularity recently due to their apparent cancer-fighting properties. This large group of plants is diverse, each providing strong, unique flavors. It is named after the Latin word for crucifix because the blossoms of these plants resemble a cross.
Cruciferous vegetables include:
- arugula
- bok choy
- broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- cabbage
- cauliflower
- kale
- radish
- turnips
Cruciferous vegetables are low calorie, and rich in folate, vitamins C, E, and K, and fiber. Fiber is an important nutrient to incorporate if weight loss is the goal, as it helps keep you fuller longer.
Cruciferous vegetables are also good sources of phytonutrients, plant-based compounds that may help lower inflammation and reduce the risk of developing cancer.
Also present in cruciferous vegetables are glucosinolates. These chemicals are not only responsible for the aroma and flavor of these plants, but they have also been shown to have anticancer effects. According to the National Cancer Institute, studies in rats and mice have demonstrated that indoles and isothiocyanates, the compounds that form from broken-down glucosinolates, protect cells from DNA damage, inactivate carcinogens, and have antibacterial and antiviral effects.
The link between consuming cruciferous vegetables and a reduced risk of cancer in humans is not quite as clear. Specifically, prostate, colorectal, lung, and breast cancers have been studied, and most show little
However, a few studies have shown that the bioactive components in cruciferous vegetables have beneficial effects on biomarkers of cancer-related processes in some people.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, adult women should eat 2.5 cups of vegetables per day, while adult men should have 3 cups. One cup of cooked or raw broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower counts as 1 cup of vegetables. Two cups of leafy vegetables, like kale or arugula, count as 1 cup from the vegetable group.
Your total vegetable intake doesn’t have to come from cruciferous vegetables, but they should be incorporated daily for maximum health benefits.
A leafy green with a zesty flavor, arugula goes well in many dishes. It’s perfect to accompany a pasta dish or to use as a substitute for basil in a pesto recipe.
A type of Chinese cabbage, bok choy looks like a cross between celery and lettuce. It’s mild-flavored and great in stir-fries or soups. Try this ginger bok choy soup with noodles.
Broccoli can be eaten raw in salads or with dip as a quick snack. Try steaming it and topping it with shredded cheese or roasting it in the oven with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Or, try this parmesan cheesy broccoli casserole with crispy breadcrumbs if you don’t love the taste of broccoli.
Brussels sprouts have a distinct taste and a reputation for being disliked by kids nationwide. An easy way to eat them is to roast in the oven. Try this recipe topped with balsamic vinegar and honey.
One of the most cost-effective vegetables you can buy, cabbage is filling and easy to cook. Try it in a side dish with beans and potatoes.
Going to any restaurant nowadays is hard without seeing trendy kale on the menu. While it’s slightly more bitter than spinach or lettuce, its nutritional stats are impressive. Sauté it with olive oil, garlic, and salt and pepper for a quick side dish, throw it in a smoothie to sneak in some vitamins and minerals, or try baking it in the oven with some seasoning for a potato chip substitute.
Radishes are typically eaten raw, usually as a garnish on a salad, but there are plenty of other ways to serve them. Try braised radishes with mint and onion or butter-glazed roasted radishes with fresh herbs.
This root vegetable is similar to a potato in texture but has a much more distinct flavor. They have a slightly peppery flavor and purple skin, but they can be used as a substitute for potatoes. Try this turnip au gratin recipe.
Cruciferous vegetables are not only low calorie and nutrient-dense, but they’re also possibly beneficial in fighting cancer. If you’re trying to lose weight or add healthier options to your diet, try diverse recipes incorporating cruciferous vegetables to hit your recommended daily serving.
