Vegetables are part of a healthy diet; they contain many vitamins and minerals. Many are rich in fiber as well. However, research has given us even more reasons to pile those veggies on our plates. Several studies show that certain types of vegetables, specifically those known as cruciferous vegetables, have specific properties that could make them useful in preventing cancer.
What are Cruciferous Vegetables?
Some of the crunchiest, tastiest vegetables belong to the Cruciferae family. Typically cool weather vegetables, they are most notably characterized by four petal flowers somewhat resembling a cross.
These flower buds or the leaves are the parts of these plants that are most often consumed. However, the seeds or roots of some of these vegetables are also edible. Incorporating some of these cruciferous vegetables into your diet may help lower your risk for cancer:
- Collard greens
- Bok choi
- Brussels sprout
- Mustard (leaves and seeds)
What is the Link Between Cruciferous Vegetables and Cancer?
Cruciferous vegetables are packed with nutrients that are believed to lower a person’s risk for several types of cancers, including prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer. This includes the carotenoids zeaxanthin, lutein, and beta-carotene as well as folate and vitamins C, E, and K. They are also rich in minerals and an excellent source of fiber which is well known for preventing colorectal cancer.
This group of vegetables is also a good dietary source of glucosinolates which also has cancer-fighting properties. When intact, the glucosinolates are not effective, but when they are broken down through chewing, processing, and pests, they then make contact with the myrosinase enzyme and initiate a process that releases specific chemicals that can prevent cancer.
How Cruciferous Vegetables Prevent Cancer
There are three primary ways that cruciferous vegetables can prevent cancer. Researchers have found substantial evidence that shows when they are part of a healthy, clean, low-fat diet, a person’s risk of cancer can be decreased.
- Glucosinolates – These are chemicals that contain sulfur and are present in all cruciferous vegetables, giving them their trademark bitter flavor and pungent aroma. When this substance is broken down by chewing, preparation, or digestion, it forms certain compounds (indole-3-carbinol and sulforaphane) that scientists have identified as having “anticancer properties.” They do this by impeding the development or growth of cancer. Studies have looked at this effect on mice and rats and found that it is particularly effective in certain organs. Researchers are also looking at other ways the substances can prevent cancer. When working in the body, they:
- Have anti-inflammatory properties
- Aid in preventing DNA damage to cells
- Inhibit the formation of blood vessels in tumors
- Are antibacterial and antiviral
- Inhibit the migration of tumor cells, thus halting metastasis
- Cause cancerous cells to die
- Aid in causing carcinogens to become inactive
- Bioactive components – Some studies have shown that the bioactive components of these veggies can actually affect the biomarkers of processes related to cancer in the human body such as decreasing abnormal cell growth.
- Genetic encoding of glutathione S-transferase – Glutathione S-transferase is an enzyme that helps the body metabolize and eliminate isothiocyanates. This is important because isothiocyanates prevent the activation of carcinogens, increase the speed at which the carcinogens are eliminated from the body, and counteract the dangerous effects of active carcinogens.
Best Ways to Consume Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables are at their most nutritious and have the greatest cancer-fighting properties when they are raw. When the vegetables are chopped and chewed they release the most cancer-fighting chemicals. Likewise, when they are cooked, they lose a great deal of those properties. Steaming or cooking the vegetables very lightly for less than 5 minutes will allow them to retain some of those cancer-fighting properties.
So, make sure that you incorporate cruciferous vegetables into your diet at least three times a week. If you need further guidance, ask our doctor of chiropractic Dr. Jimenez. We’re here to help!