collard-greens-plantFun With Phytonutrients

Welcome to another chapter of fun with phytonutrients. Glucosinolates are a phytonutrient that is found in cruciferous vegetables. Phytonutrients are found in a variety of produce and are helpful in fighting cancer and other diseases. Studies have shown that glucosinolates have cancer preventative properties. There are hidden treasures in your organic produce!

Glucosinolates: Gastric Goodness

There are about 120 different types of glucosinolates. (You were worried for a minute that I was going to list them weren’t you?) A large number of these glucosinolates are found in edible plants. However, these particular plants are not always great for everyone. Individuals who have certain thyroid conditions should check with their doctor before adding too many glucosinolates rich foods. These plants can suppress thyroid function. They can makes it difficult for the body to naturally absorb iodine. This is an essential nutrient for our thyroid to function properly. If someone has an issue like hypothyroidism, eating too many plants containing glucosinolates can aggravate this condition. If you are an average healthy person these plants shouldn’t affect you in this way at all. Your body should assimilate them just fine. It would take a significant amount of glucosinolates to affect you. What researchers are excited about is that they are now seeing that glucosinolates are showing signs of being antifungal, antibacterial, and to have cancer preventative properties!

The Key Ingredient of Your Cruciferous Vegetable Night

Cruciferous vegetables are a rich source of nutrients and vitamins C, E, and K. They are a great way to incorporate fiber into your diet. Glucosinolates, along with all these other factors, are a great reason to add these veggies to your menu. These glucosinolate rich veggies are cruciferous vegetables. Some examples of cruciferous veggies are:

  • Mustard greens
  • Cabbage
  • Horseradish
  • Brussel Sprouts
  • Turnips
  • Wasabi
  • Turnips

You can find glucosinolates in other not so pungent veggies that you may already be enjoying in your salads or as a side dish.

  • Watercress
  • Arugula
  • Collard greens
  • Kale
  • Radishes
  • Bok choy

Most of the vegetables on these lists tend to bring strong opinions. You either love them or hate them it seems. However, there are many different ways to add them into your diet if you want to reap all the wonderful health benefits. Kale can be added into a breakfast smoothie and purple cabbage can be finely grated and added into salads. It just takes a little creativity and maybe a little internet research for a few recipes. The phytonutrients found in our vegetables work together to help ward off diseases. It just goes to show you how vital a variety of organic produce is to the human diet. It also shows us how important it is to keep our produce organic and free from cross-contamination. Remember to keep your plate a rainbow of color and watch next week for our final phytonutrient: Phytoestrogens.

Applications & Resources for Glucosinolates

iGOZEN is a philosophy and a way of life. We want you to be able to live as healthy as possible. As we learn more about organic living we try to pass on this knowledge through our blogs and posts. Helping you live a more toxic-free lifestyle helps everyone live in peace and balance. Find your way to a chemical-free world through our Fruit/Veg Wash, Everyday Cleaner, or iGOZEN’s Meat/Fish wash.