Health promoting bioactive phytochemicals from Brassica

Brassica vegetables are a family of 6 agriculturally important species consumed in high quantities throughout the world. Cruciferous vegetables are a good source of many health promoting and potentially protective phytochemicals including folic acid, phenolics, carotenoids, selenium, glucosinolates and vitamin C. Incorporating these potent plant based compounds in a daily food is a safe, effective and inexpensive way to guard against many of today’s most common and lethal cancers of which nearly 30-40% are directly linked to improper diet and related factors. The present paper reviews the available literature on bioactive compounds from edible crucifers, their health promoting beneficial effects and possible role in imparting defence against diseases especially cancer.