Winter vegetables

The main winter vegetables are those in the Cruciferous category: cabbages, cauliflower, broccoli, turnip greens, savoy cabbage, etc.

Below are the details on the characteristics of the most common ones.

Cauliflower, thanks to the perfect balance of its components, has a beneficial effect on health if eaten 2-3 times a week. Thanks to its low calorie content (25 kcal/100 g) and its high satiating power, cauliflower is also suitable for weight-loss diets. Cabbages are valuable foods for their nutrients: potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, folic acid, vitamin C, etc. They also contain anticancer, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiscorbutic active compounds. They are cleansing, remineralizing and promote tissue regeneration. Cauliflower is particularly recommended for diabetes because its properties help control blood sugar levels. According to some American studies, cauliflower helps prevent colon cancer and ulcers and treats anemia. Broccoli and cauliflower, according to recent scientific research, are said to be effective in preventing prostate cancer. A study conducted by the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, and published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, showed that people who eat a diet rich in Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage have a 49% lower chance of getting sick. This is said to be due to the presence of antioxidants (flavones) and indoles, which can counter the degenerative action of free radicals.

Broccoli is a real health bath: it protects eyes and bones, is cleansing and rich in antioxidants. Just 100 grams, for example, is enough to fill up, equal to 150 percent of the amount of vitamin C our body needs. But inside broccoli there are also important minerals, from zinc to iron, and B and K vitamins. They are highly effective antioxidants and protect eyes and bones. They are suitable for the diets of people with diabetes. They are also considered excellent foods for preventing cardiovascular disease.

A true green weapon against cancer: according to a study published in the scientific journal Science, a molecule found in broccoli can switch off an enzyme (WWP1) responsible for the growth of some forms of cancer, including breast and prostate cancer.