What sulfur-containing compounds found abundantly in mustard greens are broken down into isothiocyanates?
Answer
Glucosinolates
Mustard greens possess a distinct health advantage due to specialized, sulfur-containing compounds classified as glucosinolates. These phytochemicals are characteristic of cruciferous vegetables, similar to broccoli and cabbage. Upon mechanical disruption, such as chopping or chewing, these glucosinolates undergo a chemical transformation, breaking down into biologically active substances known specifically as isothiocyanates. These isothiocyanates are the breakdown products researched for their potential properties in preventing certain types of cancer. Spinach, while offering general antioxidants, completely lacks this specific, potent class of sulfur-based compounds that mustard greens provide.
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