By Brooke Rodgers – Certified Holistic Health Coach
For some of us, who would have known that growing up as a child and listening to the daily commonality of our mother’s commotion and resorting for us to “Eat those vegetables!” could be so satiable and worthwhile as our life’s years progress? As we all infallibly emerge into our superior years one may become accustomed with the inclination that our bodies begin to age and eventually break down. Now, due to the advances and progress made, there are a variety of anti-aging remedies and other kinds of herbs for so-called long lasting life, but one of the most tangible, important behaviors and choices one can make to endure and embrace longevity and a healthy life are consuming those powerful, nutrient-rich cruciferous vegetables.
Now, all vegetables are wonderful to help cleanse and heal the body on top of eating a combination of different colorful
vegetables, but the power and rich nutrient content behind our cruciferous vegetables is not only efficacious, but absolutely fascinating. Some of the primary cruciferous vegetables include: Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Kale, Brussels Sprouts, Watercress, and Arugula.. One of the main chemicals in these miraculous vegetables that inhibit and/or prevent cancer-related problems are isothiocyanates. These anti-cancer chemicals act as super agents in our body’s metabolizing process by neutralizing or possibly even depleting various carcinogens and free radicals.
Now, let’s talk about these unbelievable, medicinal, life saving vegetables! Not only does Cabbage contain boat loads of antioxidants, but it is linked to the assistance of blocking breast cancer and suppressing its growth, helps detoxify the stomach, stimulates the immune system, on top of acting as an anti-viral, anti-cancer, and anti-ulcer. The magical green tree replica known as Brocolli is not only loaded with protein, calcium, vitamin C, and Folic Acid, but it can help stimulate the liver, is an excellent source of
fiber, and has been linked to lowering the risk of lung cancer in various research studies. Kale, containing around 50% more calcium than milk is a major disease and cancer fighting super food while Cauliflower helps purify the blood, relieve constipation and high blood pressure. Brussels Sprouts contain indoles which help protect against colon and breast cancers, on top of cleansing and supporting the pancreas. Arugula has wondrous phytochemical properties that contain chlorophyll and other ingredients that help detoxify the body with other anti-cancer benefits. Last, but not least, Watercress is a diuretic that assists with breaking up bladder and kidney stones, stimulates the thyroid with its high iodine content and helps purify the bloodstream. One way to make cruciferous vegetables easier to digest and “chew,” is to lightly steam and sauté them. A combination of eating these “raw” and “cooked” are recommended.
It doesn’t get any better than this. Reflecting into one’s past and becoming nostalgic from our parental advisories to eat our vegetables can help us make wiser and smarter decisions regarding our diet in the present so we can
reach optimal health in the future. Instead of eating a slab of ribs with greasy fries, why not get back to the basics of what nature intended for our body’s in order to properly function. Don’t hesitate to acknowledge that these vegetables in conjunction with the cliché statement, “Eat Your Vegetables,” have some actual, disease prevention, medicinal purposes and meaning behind them.
For more information on this topic please go to:
www.pbrc.edu/DivisionofEducation/pdf/PNS_cruciferous_vegetables.pdf,
http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com/bn_lung_cancer.htm, www.thefooddoctor.com,
http://news.softpedia.com/news/How-Do-Vegetables-Save-the-Boobs-80629.shtml, and www.niehs.nih.gov/news/releases/news-archive/2000/cruci.cfm, or please email me at [email protected] for any comments you have for further discussion.