Though cauliflower, cabbage, kale, broccoli, and bok choy look nothing like each other, they’re actually closely related. These five vegetables are all from the cruciferous family, and are highly nutritious.
Photo: Pixabay
Cruciferous vegetables are rich in vitamins, such as:
- Vitamin A, which is great for our skin and nail health, as well as our eyesight. It’s also important for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
- Vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system.
- Vitamin K, which is crucial for blood clotting.
- The B-vitamin group, including folic acid. Folic acid is so important to pregnancies that women of childbearing age are recommended to consume 400 micrograms of folic acid every day.
Click to the next page to find out what other nutrients these vegetables have.
Cruciferous vegetables are also rich in:
- Phytonutrients, which can only be found in plants. Cruciferous vegetables are rich in glucosinates, which have been linked to cancer prevention. According to World’s Healthiest Foods, “Without cruciferous vegetables in our diet, we simply cannot get optimal intake of the glucosinolates.”
- Calcium. We usually associate calcium with dairy products, but cruciferous vegetables are actually an excellent source of calcium. Calcium from vegetables are actually absorbed better than calcium from dairy, and don’t have the negative effects commonly associated with dairy.
- Fiber. All plant foods are rich in fiber, which is excellent for digestion. Cruciferous vegetables have huge amounts of fiber, which is great for clearing the intestines and promoting regular bowel movements and nutrient absorption.
READ: 10 sneaky ways to get toddlers to eat more vegetables
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