Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, kale, horseradish, watercress. These vegetables have potent anti-cancer nutrients in them. When incorporated weekly into the diet, they can play a key role in the prevention of many types of cancers, especially breast and prostate cancers.
Specifically, the anti-cancer phytonutrients (plant nutrients) I am talking about are the glucosinolates. Glucosinolates act as natural protection for the plant from insects, animals, pollution, or anything else that could hurt the plant. When we eat these foods, our digestive system breaks down the glucosinolates and converts them into protective compounds that our bodies can use. The most powerful glucosinolate compounds include Indole-3-carbinol, diindolylmethane, and sulforaphane.
Besides aiding in the prevention and treatment of cancer, cruciferous veggies have also been shown to lower inflammation throughout the body, and help the liver clear toxins from the body. I highly recommend eating cruciferous veggies every week. My favorite way to eat them is steamed, but any way you eat them will benefit your health!
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