What are the biologically active substances that glucosinolates, characteristic sulfur-containing compounds in collards, break down into?
Answer
Isothiocyanates.
Glucosinolates are signature phytochemicals associated with vegetables belonging to the *Brassica* family, including collard greens. When these sulfur-containing compounds are processed, either through chewing or enzymatic action during digestion, they break down into various biologically active metabolites. The most widely studied of these breakdown products are isothiocyanates. These isothiocyanates are specifically noted for their investigation into detoxification pathways, as they are believed to aid the body in neutralizing potentially harmful or carcinogenic substances.

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