Guide to Cruciferous Vegetables: Preparation, Health Benefits, and More

Cruciferous vegetables—i.e. vegetables of the family Brassicaceae (sometimes called Cruciferae) or the mustard family—are not only rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, but may also help protect against certain female and other cancers. Eating such plants as broccoli, turnips, kale, cabbage, and a host of others—whether served as food or juice—offers many health benefits. These benefits come not only from the antioxidants, but also through stimulated enzyme production. On the other hand, there are potential contraindications in connection with thyroid health, and, studies suggest, certain potentially harmful pharmacological interactions.

Romanesco Broccoli; Public Domain courtesty Jon Sullivan; Wikimedia Commons