|  | Diet Nutrition | Nutrition

What Phytochemicals Are in Broccoli & Cauliflower?

Phytochemicals, or phytonutrients, are compounds like beta-carotene or lycopene that are found in vegetables. Broccoli and cauliflower are loaded with healthy phytochemicals that have tremendous anti-cancer properties.

  1. Isothiocyanates

    • It's a scary-sounding word, but isothiocyanates are phytochemicals that fight cancer. Studies have shown that isothiocyanates neutralize carcinogens and can prevent esophageal and lung cancer, as well as reduce the risk of other types of cancer.

    Indole-3-Carbinol

    • This phytochemical metabolizes carcinogens and helps prevent cervical and breast cancer by blocking estrogen receptor sites. It is also thought to improve heart health. Because Indole-3-Carbinol stimulates the production of detoxifying enzymes, it helps fight carcinogens found in pesticides and other toxins.

    Sulforaphane

    • Sulforaphane is another cancer-fighting phytonutrient. It is thought to be especially helpful to those with a family history of colon cancer.

    Indoles

    • Indoles, including Indole-3-Carbinole, trigger the production of enzymes to help fight many different types of cancer.

    Glucosinolates

    • When ingested, glucosinolates transform to form isothiocyanates and indoles.

Nutrition - Related Articles