10 Health Benefits Of Eating Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables, also known as brassica vegetables, are fascinating sources of sulfur containing phytonutrients, glucosinolates. When chewed or chopped, glucosinolates are converted into indole-3-carbonol and isothiocyanates.

Additionally, cruciferous vegetables contain large amounts of fiber that contribute to a healthy digestive system. Dietary fibers contribute to the feeling of fullness because they take up volume in the stomach. The fibers bind to the sugar and slow its absorption, thereby contributing to diabetes prevention, improve the digestive system, reduce cholesterol and prevent colon cancer.

Numerous studies have attributed the health benefits of cruciferous vegetables to these compounds. In addition to phytonutrients, cruciferous vegetables are valuable sources of vitamins A, C and K, folic acid and fibers. Adding cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and kale to your daily diet offers the following health benefits.

Cruciferous Vegetables To Lowers High Blood Pressure

Sulfuraphane present in cruciferous vegetables helps in reducing high blood pressure. It helps vasodilation of the blood vessels that help in bringing down the blood pressure level naturally.

Cruciferous Strengthen Immune System

Cruciferous vegetables are rich in vitamin C that helps in strengthening the immune system. Moreover, they contain chemicals that help in activating the immune cells present in the gut and the skin.

Cruciferous Vegetables Reduce Cancer Risk

The sulfur based compounds present in the cruciferous vegetables help in reducing risk of cancer. They work by eliminating carcinogens from the body before they damage the healthy cells. According to studies, cruciferous vegetables are especially effecting in preventing colorectal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer.

CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES LOWER DIABETES RISK

The high concentration of fibers in cruciferous vegetables makes them the ideal components of an anti-diabetes diet. Dietary fibers help in preventing spikes in the blood sugar level after meals. Moreover, cruciferous vegetable are rich sources of vitamin K, which helps in improving insulin sensitivity.

CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES FOR STRONG BONES

Cruciferous vegetables, when consumed daily, help in building strong bones. In addition to calcium, cruciferous vegetables contain vitamins C and K. Both these vitamins play key roles in bone formation.

CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES FIGHT STOMACH INFECTIONS

When consumed daily, cruciferous vegetables help in preventing stomach infections. The phytonutrients glucosinolates found in cruciferous vegetables when converted into isothiocyanates help in blocking growth of H. pylori and other harmful bacteria in the stomach.

CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES HELP IN WEIGHT LOSS

The fiber rich vegetables are ideal for the weight loss diet. By increasing satiety, fiber helps in preventing overeating. Moreover, fibers bind with fats present in foods and eliminate them from the body.

CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES REDUCE RISK OF COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

High homocysteine level in the blood also increases risk of cognitive impairment in older adults. The homocysteine lowering effect of cruciferous vegetables makes them the ideal food for the brain. Moreover, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the nutrients found in the cruciferous vegetables help in maintaining the optimal health of the brain.

CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES FOR HEALTHY HEART FUNCTION

Folate and vitamin B6 present in the cruciferous vegetables play important roles in metabolism of homocysteine. By lowering the homocysteine level in the blood, these B vitamins help in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disorders.

CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES IMPROVE MOOD

Cruciferous vegetables can also help in fighting depression. They are rich in folate, which is essential for production of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Cruciferous vegetables are also good sources of vitamin B6, which helps in the production of dopamine. Both serotonin and dopamine help in fighting depression.