Kale has been such a buzz word in the juicing and healthy eating community. It is one of the “it” foods and it is everywhere. In fact, it is so popular that kale farmers are having a hard time keeping up with the demand. Just in the recent years, U.S. kale production increased by nearly 60 percent between 2007 and 2012 and the demand is still growing.
Cruciferous what?
Kale is part of a long list of cruciferous vegetables. They belong to the Brassicaceae family which include: broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, bok choy, rocket, brussel sprouts, collard greens, mustard greens, napa cabbage, rutabaga, rapini, arugula, watercress, mizuna, turnips, kohlrabi, romanesco, and horseradish. Take note of these names, they are going to be your go-to list of most power packed veggies if you’re looking to help balance your hormones.
Balance Oestrogen
While we all know that these veggies are packed with Vitamins A, B, D, and E and are also rich sources of Zinc, they also contain a relatively important hormone balancing constituent called Indole-3-carbinol (I3C). Indole-3-carbinol is an important factor to oestrogen metabolism. I3C can selectively bind to oestrogen receptors which regulate oestrogen levels in the body. This benefits individuals with both low and high oestrogen levels.
In women, this balancing effect can have a positive impact on oestrogen dominant individuals. It decreases instances of hormonal imbalance related mood swings, anxiety, and depression. It also helps regulate the dangerous levels of oestrogen metabolites in women with PMS and those who are undergoing perimenopause.
Benefits in Men too
Men can benefit from balanced oestrogen levels as well. If men have too little oestrogen, they are at risk for developing osteoporosis. A healthy balance of oestrogen is also good for prostate health.
If you you’re out of ideas of how to sneak in these cruciferous vegetables in your diet, here are a few ideas.
- Steam a good assortment of these veggies and blend them into soup. Cheese and broccoli soup is one of my favorites.
- Cauliflower is a great substitute for carbs. Substitute cauliflower for rice or make cauliflower puree instead of mash potato.
- Add some kale or collard greens into your smoothies for an powerful antioxidant and fibre boost.
- Stir fry bok choy and other greens in oyster sauce.
- Use horseradish to flavour your foods. I love it with deli meats in a sandwich.
- Roasted rutabaga can substitute for mashed potato. Oh the possibilities!
So, keep eating your cruciferous veggies. Incorporate them in your meals, juices, and everyday diet.
Green Goddess is packed with Cruciferous Vegetables
Green Goddess was blended specifically to help balance estrogen and that's why its packed with kale, wheatgrass and alfalfa grass as well as other yummy goodness like maca, cacao & peppermint to help nourish adrenals, provide you with a burst of energy, improve your libido, whilst improving digestion. It really will leave you feeling like a goddess.
