Eat your vegetables….particularly your cruciferous vegetables!

What is a cruciferous vegetable? The most common ones would be broccoli, broccoli sprouts, brussel sprouts, bok choy, kale, radish or turnips! Broccoli sprouts are highest in Sulforaphane, which is the component that contributes largely to the benefits listed below.

There have been extensive studies performed on the cruciferous family in regards to the health benefits they offer. It has been shown in peer reviewed clinical studies that they may provide a multitude of benefits including:

1. Reducing risk of cancer
2. Reduces size on tumours
3. Reduces inflammation
4. Promotes longevity
5. Reduces risk of cardiovascular disease
6. Reduces risk neurological disease
7. Battles depression
8. Promotes good gut health

So, it turns out your parents were right, eat your vegetables if you want to grow up big and strong. If you want to know more about the effects of the cruciferous family, there is a great video by Dr Rhonda Patrick on Youtube linked below (you can even skip to the topic you are interested in).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zz4YVJ4aRfg

One more thing you might like to know is that the get the most out of these vegetables you should not be cooking them! Prolonged heat from cooking denatures important components of the vegetables that provide these benefits. So, either give them a wash and eat them raw, or have them in a smoothie! Of course eating them cooked is still better than not eating them at all. Try upping your intake of this family to a daily dose and feel the difference for yourself.

Diet and exercise go hand in hand. If you want to know more about how to optimise your lifestyle for your medical condition or just for general well being, come see an Exercise Physiologist at Hunter Rehabilitation and Health!