Give cancer a kick with a helping of cruciferous veggies

http://www.freep.com/article/20100516/FEATURES02/5160323/1027/Features02/Give-cancer-a-kick-with-a-helping-of-cruciferous-veggies

Give cancer a kick with a helping of cruciferous veggies

BY DARLENE ZIMMERMAN
HENRY FORD HEALTH SYSTEM


If you follow the Heart Smart column, you know about the importance of eating more fruits and vegetables to reduce the risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. But what about cancer, the No. 2 killer?

Researchers have been focusing on the potential cancer-fighting ability of cruciferous vegetables, which get their name from their four-petaled flowers, which look like a crucifer or cross.

The cruciferous family includes an interesting assortment of vegetables -- arugula, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, collards, kohlrabi, mustard greens, kale, radishes, turnips, turnip greens, watercress and bok choy.

Although research is ongoing, studies suggest that cruciferous vegetables may help ward off certain forms of cancers, especially cancer of the mouth, throat and stomach. Experts believe they contain substances that stimulate the release of anti-cancer enzymes and promote the destruction of cancer cells.

As nutrition researchers learn more about the cancer-fighting properties of these vegetables, it's important to enjoy cruciferous vegetables often. In fact, why not start today and make our Balsamic and Honey Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower?

HEART SMART is a registered trademark of the Henry Ford Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute. Darlene Zimmerman, MS, RD, is program contact; for questions about today's recipe, call her at 313-972-1920, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.