Not yet convinced that more vegetables can really make much of a difference when it comes to your health? Many people like the idea of eating healthy, but when it comes to filling up half the plate with veggies, most Canadians aren't even coming close to the recommended servings.
It's been well documented that restricting vegetable can directly affect multiple health outcomes such as heart health, diabetes and obesity and now researchers believe that cruciferous vegetables may actually help to prevent multiple types of cancers.
A substance known as glucosinolates found in cruciferous vegetables are the sulfur containing chemicals that give them their strong aroma and bitter flavour. Some vegetables found in the cruciferous family include:
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Arugula
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Broccoli
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Brussel sprouts
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Cabbage
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Cauliflower
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Kale
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Radishes
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Turnips
These ongoing studies are focusing on the breakdown of the glucosinolates into the biologically active compounds that occur during food preparations, chewing and digestion. The compounds have been found to inhibit the development of bladder, breast, colon, liver, lung and stomach cancers in rats and mice. Researchers believe that they may be able to prevent cancers by:
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Helping to protect cells from DNA damage
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Help inactivate carcinogens
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Have antiviral and antibacterial effects
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Have anti-inflammatory effects
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Inhibit tumor blood vessel formation and tumor cell migrations
While more research is needed to understand the crucial role this compound plays in well-being, make every bite count by eating a wide variety of vegetables and start protecting your health today.
Also in this addition of Desired Health