Brassica Family

Brassica (Brás-si-ca) is a genus of plants in the mustard family (Brassicaceae). The members of the genus may be collectively known either as cabbages, or as mustards. Crops from this genus are sometimes called cole crops. This genus is remarkable for containing more important agricultural and horticultural crops than any other genus. It also includes a number of weeds, both wild taxa and escapees from cultivation. It includes over 30 wild species and hybrids, and numerous additional cultivars and hybrids of cultivated origin. Most are annuals or biennials, but some are small shrubs.

History Of Brassica Family

The genus is native in the wild in western Europe, the Mediterranean and temperate regions of Asia. In addition to the cultivated species, which are grown worldwide, many of the wild species grow as weeds, especially in North America, South America, and Australia.

Brassica Family Nutrition Info

Brassica vegetables are highly regarded for their nutritional value. They provide high amounts of vitamin C and soluble fiber and contain multiple nutrients with potent anti-cancer properties: diindolylmethane, sulforaphane and selenium.

Brassica Family Health Benefits

This family of vegetables also have a beneficial effect on the liver. Broccoli and other brassica family vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, kale and cabbage, are well known for their high concentration of a compound called sulforaphane, which has significant cancer- and chemo-protective properties. Now, a paper in the September 15, 2002 issue of Cancer Research has provided insight into how sulforaphane helps rid the body of carcinogens and other toxic chemicals by stimulating the expression of genes that encode a wide array of protective antioxidant and detoxification enzymes.

They are rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly sulphur. Sulphur is known as the ‘beauty mineral’ as it produces collagen and boosts the immune system against germs and viruses. They also contain compounds with anti-cancer properties particularly those that protect against breast and colon cancer.

Using the Brassica Family

Tips for getting brassica into your diet... top your salads with a tablespoon or two of broccoli sprouts. Combine quartered cooked Brussels sprouts with sliced red onions, walnuts and some crumbled feta cheese, then marinate in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. For an easy, healthy version of stuffed cabbage, spoon some leftovers such as rice salad or cooked veggies onto the center of a cabbage leaf. Roll into a neat little package and bake in medium heat oven until hot. Toss chopped kale, pine nuts and gorgonzola cheese with freshly cooked whole grain pasta drizzled with olive oil. To learn more about the amazing health benefits.

Brassica Family Trivia

Researchers at the University of California at Berkeley have recently discovered that 3,3'-Diindolylmethane in Brassica vegetables is a potent modulator of the innate immune response system with potent anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-cancer activity.

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