A term referring to vegetables in the cabbage family such as broccoli, cabbage and kale. Cruciferous vegetables contain goitrogens (see below), which interfere with the way the body absorbs iodine. Feeding too many cruciferous vegetables to iguanas can cause goiter (see below). For more information on diet, refer to the Food and Feeding page.
Cruciferous vegetables, a family of vegetables with cross-shaped flowers, are also called brassicas, or cabbage family vegetables. They include cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and kale, as well as mustard greens, turnips and rutabaga. These vegetables contain phytochemicals called indoles, which seem to offer protection against some forms of cancer. They are also rich in vitamin C.