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Paleo/AIP Acceptable Food #2: Benefits of Cruciferous Vegetables
12.November.2018

Paleo/AIP Acceptable Food #2: Benefits of Cruciferous Vegetables

The paleo and, in particular, the AIP (autoimmune protocol) crowds know that as you commit to these diets the more and more difficult it becomes to find something to eat. Even those who valiantly continue to adhere to every requirement of the diet, sometimes they find themselves cycling over the same foods over and over again which eventually leads to gagging over something they originally enjoyed! Here at Autoimmune Health & Nutrition we want you to enjoy your paleo and AIP foods the best that is possible so you can achieve relief from your allergies or conditions. This is why we write about and educate others on the options that are available. The food option we will discuss today is Cruciferous Vegetables.

To begin, what are cruciferous vegetables and how did they get their name?

The vegetables that fall in the cruciferous category are as follows:

Arugula

Bok choy

Broccoli (In the Paleo Perfection Protein)

Brussels sprouts

Cabbage

Cauliflower

Kale (In the Paleo Perfection Protein)

Radish

Turnips (Good substitute for potatoes)

The name comes from the Latin word for crucifix. These vegetables were named cruciferous because their blooms resemble a cross.

Now, what are their benefits and why is it so good for those following the AIP and Paleo diets?

These superfoods have loads of benefits that are important for any diet. These vegetables contain significant amounts of vitamin C, E, and K, folate, and fiber. Vitamin C is a daily requirement and is needed to help maintain skin, teeth, gums, tendons, and ligaments. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cells and tissue from free radicals. Vitamin K is essential for the blood so it can clot appropriately. It also helps maintain and strengthen bones. Folate helps the heart by facilitating the breakdown of homocysteine to methionine an essential amino acid. Lastly, fiber can help with blood sugar and cholesterol.

Cruciferous vegetables also contain a good amount of phytonutrients. These plant-based compounds can help lower inflammation. This is a huge issue for those who have autoimmune diseases and who are seeking some relief by following the autoimmune protocol diet.

We hope life is a tad bit easier after reading these benefits to cruciferous vegetables. Our hope is to make the battle that many face with allergies and diseases a much more formidable one. We know that by returning Back to Our Roots and eating right that many common problems can be avoided. #autoimmunehn