ABSTRACT
In the last 20 years, a number of epidemiological studies have shown that tumor formation and incidence of cardiovascular diseases are inversely related to the intake of fruit and vegetables (Verhoeven et al., 1996). One group of vegetables that has been widely approved for its bene cial effects on human health are the vegetables from the family Brassicaceae (= Cruciferae). The family Brassicaceae is a large group, having about 3000 species in 350 genera, including several types of edible plants, which are sometimes referred to as “the cabbage family.” The petals of plants of this family have a distinctive cruciform arrangement, which is the origin of the initial term Cruciferae. These plants can be annuals, biennials or perennials. They are well adapted to average temperatures of 16-18°C and are thus grown during the cool season in temperate areas. Crops of Brassicaceae are mainly distributed in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere: in the areas of Southwestern and Central Asia, China and Japan, Europe, the Mediterranean region and North America. Brassica production has grown steadily and vegetables represent a major part of the human diet worldwide. Despite the great diversity among the Brassicaceae, members of only a few genera are used in human diet (JARC, 2004).
