How often should we eat cruciferous vegetables to receive their cancer-protection benefits?
Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and cabbage. Studies have associated substances found in cruciferous vegetables, called isothiocyanates, with lower cancer risk. These substances can stimulate enzymes that reduce the harm from potential carcinogens before they initiate cancer development. Isothiocyanates may also increase the self-destruction of cancer cells. Besides, these vegetables tend to be high in one or more important vitamins and are a good source of fiber. However, within the four to six vegetable servings most of us should aim for each day, variety is important, too. There are enough cruciferous options that you could easily eat a different one every day of the week. The amount of cruciferous vegetables necessary to reduce your cancer risk probably varies depending upon how many carcinogens you are exposed to from sources such as smoking and second-hand smoke exposure; pollution; and consumption of red meat and grilled or fried red meat,
