Recipes for Roasted Cauliflower and Stir-Fry Broccoli {Guest Post by Lisa Corrado: Cruciferous Vegetables} (2024)

FAQs

What are the 12 cruciferous vegetables? ›

The cruciferous family includes: bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, Collard/spring greens, horseradish, kale, kohlrabi, mustard, radish, rocket, turnip, watercress and wasabi. Sometimes this vegetable family is also called brassicas.

Most people can enjoy cruciferous veggies without any negative consequences. But others may be advised to watch their intake. In large amounts, cruciferous vegetables can cause gas or bloating for some people. And people who take blood-thinning medication like warfarin (Coumadin®), may need to limit their intake.

Cruciferous vegetables get their name from the four petals on their flowers that make the shape of a cross. Modern crucifers (broccoli, kale, cabbage, chard, radish, turnip, Bok choy, cauliflower and mustard greens) developed from wild plants that grow in the eastern Mediterranean region.

A member of the family of vegetables that includes broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, and turnips. These vegetables contain substances that may protect against cancer. Also called Brassica vegetable.

These vegetables are packed with nutrients, but they can also potentially interfere with your thyroid function. If you have hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), you may have been told to avoid cruciferous vegetables — such as kale, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts.

Broccoli: Broccoli is a must-have in your daily diet to build your body and boost your immune system. This cruciferous vegetable has the highest quantities of vitamin C, folic acid, and vitamin A and ranks first on the list of super veggies.

Despite the many health benefits of cruciferous vegetables, there may be some adverse side effects to consider as well. One common concern is the association between cruciferous vegetables and gas. The fiber found in these vegetables undergoes fermentation in the large intestine, which can cause excess flatulence.

As broccoli is rich in Potassium that causes lowering of blood pressure, an excess consumption can result in hypotension. An excess broccoli consumption can also increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Patient on blood thinners can have increased risk of bleeding due to the presence of Vitamin K in broccoli.

High in nutrients and low in calories, broccoli has earned its title as “King of the Cruciferous.” When shopping for broccoli select compact, dark green heads or florets, with no yellowing.

The USDA recommends you eat at least 1.5 to 2.5 cups of cruciferous vegetables per week. Studies link three servings of vegetables a day with slower aging and lower risk of disease, and you can add cruciferous varieties to your daily total with: One cup of raw leafy vegetables as one serving.

Are beets cruciferous? ›

Beets are in a class of vegetables called cruciferous vegetables. These vegetables could be called anti-cancer foods. In fact, health agencies recommend that we eat several servings per week of cruciferous vegetables -- and for good reason. Are you ready to lower your cancer risk?

Broccoli heads are actually groups of buds that are almost ready to flower; each group of buds is called a floret.

Like all the other brassicas, broccoli was developed from the wild cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. oleracea), also called colewort or field cabbage.

Though avocados are a fruit, its carotenoids have cancer-fighting properties similar to those of many cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli. The body can convert carotenoids to vitamin A, which is linked to vision and a strong immune system.

The Benefits of Beets

Beets are in a class of vegetables called cruciferous vegetables. These vegetables could be called anti-cancer foods. In fact, health agencies recommend that we eat several servings per week of cruciferous vegetables -- and for good reason. Are you ready to lower your cancer risk?