A few years ago a patient came into my office complaining of migraines. He said, “You might think I’m crazy, doc, but I only get these headaches when I eat certain vegetables.” Which ones? It was hard to be sure. Salads gave him a headache only sometimes, and usually only in restaurants. Cole slaw gave him a headache no matter where he ate it. The list seemed completely random, and included Brussels sprouts, watercress, broccoli, and radishes. I grinned like an amateur holding a royal flush. The patient was naming only cruciferous vegetables. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Brassica
YOUR HEALTHY PLATE: Celebration Brussels Sprouts
If you haven’t already figured it out, I’m starting to post recipes to get your collection started for the upcoming holidays. And if you didn’t already know, I LOVE!LOVE!LOVE Brussels sprouts. This one is a gorgeous mix of Brassica (the major vegetable family to which Brussels sprouts belong), grapes (for a bit of tart sweetness), and pumpkin seeds (because, well, you know). Think of me when you make these. Continue reading
YOUR HEALTHY PLATE: Brussels Sprouts Slaw
When you hear about a recipe for cole slaw, you usually think about cabbage. The “cole” in cole slaw” actually refers to cabbage, and it’s related to the “kohl” in kohlrabi, as well as the “col” in colcannon, that delicious Irish dish of cabbage and potatoes. Like Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi and cabbage are members of the Brassica family of vegetables, also known as crucifers. Continue reading