Mom always said broccoli was good for you – and she was right! The disease fighting power of broccoli, combined with being inexpensive and readily available, make this cruciferous vegetable family member one of our top picks for an anti-cancer diet!
Even better is that the primary health benefits of broccoli are available to you by consuming a meager half-cup serving every day. It is naturally high in fiber, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and boasts powerful antioxidant content.
Glucoraphanin, gluconasturtiian, and glucobrassicin are three phytonutrients in broccoli that help to detoxify your body at the cellular level. These compounds are not as abundant or effective in any other vegetable studied to date!
Dominant flavonoids kaempferol and quercetin boost your resistance to allergens, lower inflammation, and fight the ravages of free radicals caused by oxidative stress. Carotenoids such as lutein, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin go above and beyond to protect you from the natural process of oxidation that gets out of control with our poor diet and lifestyle.
Cancer stem cells don’t stand a chance against the sulforaphane content of broccoli! This compound has been studied extensively in the scientific community and researchers are astounded at the effect it has against developing cancer.
The nutrient-density and low glycemic index of broccoli makes it an excellent, low-calorie food for people on every health regimen – even diabetics and patients recovering from a heart event!
Substantial Vitamin and Mineral Content in Broccoli
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin C
- Chromium
- Folate
- Fiber
- Vitamin E
- Manganese
- Choline
- B Vitamins
- Vitamin A
- Potassium
- Copper
Total Body Boost with Broccoli Health Benefits
Your digestive system, immune system, and cardiovascular system gain an advantage when you add this cancer-fighter to your plate. At 89% water content, you’re also hydrating your body!
Protecting your gut with added fiber means beneficial bacteria have a better opportunity to flourish. Good gut flora are the key to flushing as many toxins from your body as possible.
The extremely high levels of vitamin K promotes bone and blood health. The iron in broccoli is crucial to getting red blood cells from place to place inside you. Your heart will beat with joy at the significant potassium.
Out of control toxins and contaminants cause chronic inflammation, a primary risk for most forms of cancer. Every food that aids in “sweeping up” these offenders is going to help you stay strong and cancer-free while giving you an edge against heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and so much more!
Grow “Baby Broccoli” in Your Kitchen!
Consider broccoli sprouts! Broccoli that is less than 3 days old offers 50 times the cellular protection and 100 times the detoxification effect of fully matured broccoli!
Similar in appearance to alfalfa sprouts, you can grow them in your own kitchen! Dr. Joseph Mercola suggests using organic seeds and eating the sprouts raw for the best results.
How to Prepare Broccoli to Retain the Most Health Benefits
If you must cook your broccoli, lightly steam it to keep the antioxidants intact. Never microwave your antioxidant-rich foods! Raw is best to get the full nutritional and anti-cancer benefit of broccoli. If cooking, here’s how to retain the most nutrients:
- Cut up organic broccoli a few minutes before cooking.
- Bring two cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
- Using a steaming basket, add broccoli and steam for approximately 5 minutes. The florets will be bright green and the texture will be “tender-crisp.”
- Serve with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt.
Whenever you can, choose real food rather than supplements. Synthetic versions of vegetables are not the same and your body knows it! While you’ll get some of the benefit, most supplements simply aren’t absorbed well by your body.
Eat Your Way to a Cancer-Free Life!
When you follow a cancer-free lifestyle, you automatically lower your risk of many other serious diseases that claim the lives of millions every year.
Your diet is a crucial aspect of total body wellness! Choose wisely and shop responsibly, choosing local and organic whenever possible. Eat real food (not processed), and reap the benefits for decades to come!
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