Cruciferous vegetables are the most micronutrient dense of all vegetables, incorporating foods from this vegetable family into a balanced diet can aide in protecting the body against infection and cancer. Studies show that eating these vegetables regularly can inhibit the growth of a multitude of cancers, cruciferous vegetable intake has been shown to be inversely proportional to prostate cancer rates. Some phytochemicals in these foods activate enzymes in the body that allow for the detoxification of carcinogens, preventing them from damaging the body. Eating these vegetables regularly has been shown to decrease oxidative stress, the overload of harmful chemicals created by the body, by over 20%. The cruciferous family has excellent vitamin and mineral content, broccoli and brussel sprouts being the most nutrient dense of the family. Be sure to include this super food vegetable family for a delicious and nutritious way to improve your health! Some members of the cruciferous family are arugula, bok choy, broccoli, brussell sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, horseradish, kale, mustard greens, radishes, red cabbage, turnip greens, and watercress.