Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Lignans are a type of phytonutrient primarily found in seeds, particularly flaxseeds, as well as in whole grains, and some fruits and vegetables. However, they are not characteristic of cruciferous vegetables. In contrast, glucosinolates and sulforaphanes are significant phytonutrients that are specifically abundant in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale. Limonoids are also found in some cruciferous vegetables, as well as citrus fruits. This distinction highlights that while cruciferous vegetables are known for their unique set of phytonutrients beneficial for health—specifically glucosinolates and their derivatives like sulforaphanes—the absence of lignans in this grouping marks it as the correct answer in this context.