‘Eat more veggies’ isn’t just another phrase. Medically proven and loaded with nutrients, a particular family of vegetables is making it easier to eat healthy.
Cruciferous vegetables, locally known as cole crops, are from a family of vegetables that are loaded with nutrients. They are named so because of their resemblance to flowers. We commonly know this group of vegetables by their individual names. This family of vegetables includes cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, and much more.
Studies have found that these vegetables give multiple health benefits. One research found that women who ate greater amounts of cruciferous vegetables had a lower risk of breast cancer. But the benefits don’t stop there.
Here are a few of the many reasons cruciferous vegetables should be a daily ingredient in your kitchen:
1. Cruciferous vegetables reduce your risk of developing cancer: Rich in antioxidants, these vegetables help lower inflammation and strengthen the immune system, lowering the risk of cancer. They also contain glucosinolates, a sulfur-containing component that, when broken down in the body, inhibits cancer development.
2. These veggies are your answer to a low-calorie diet: If you’re looking to consume fewer calories, cruciferous vegetables are a must in your meals. A low-calorie diet means slower aging, sharper mental capacities, lower risk of heart diseases and increased lifespan. You also have more energy and better sleep cycles.
3. Slow down aging with a large helping of these greens: Antioxidants present in cruciferous veggies, like Vitamin C, help in fighting free radicals and slow down the aging process. People who consume foods rich in Vitamin C have fewer wrinkles and smoother skin.
4. Cruciferous veggies have high amounts of fiber content, helping the digestive system to stay healthy: Fiber, found in your green vegetables, helps the good bacteria in your body flourish. It bulks up the waste and keeps it moving through the intestines. Moreover, consuming more fiber is the best way to control hunger and avoid obesity.
5. Diabetes prevention is made easy: Cruciferous vegetables are best to help control sugar levels. They release hormones in the stomach that reduce appetite. Rich in magnesium, they improve insulin sensitivity, which regulates blood sugar levels and keeps diabetes at bay.
With anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, it’s no wonder that doctors are recommending this family of vegetables. It’s time to pick up these greens and incorporate them into your meals. With a few quick searches online, you can find fun recipes that’ll give you delicious dishes and stronger bodies.
