The Healing Wonder Vegetable

Science and Ayurveda have repeatedly shown that food is a medicine and is usually one of the best ways to stay healthy and heal.  Broccoli has many nutritional benefits, but it has even more healing qualities. 

Broccoli has been repeatedly shown to be one of nature's most valuable health-promoting foods, capable of preventing a number of health issues, including but not limited to hypertension, allergies, diabetes, osteoarthritis and cancer.  Broccoli is one of the richest sources of sulforaphane, a potent sulfur compound known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits.  While other cruciferous vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and cabbage have sulforaphane, broccoli has the most per serving.

The most exciting news about broccoli is its ability to fight cancer and prevent recurrence.  Sulforaphane has also been shown to kill cancer stem cells, thereby slowing tumor growth. Yet, it would also be ideal to eliminate cancer stem cells to really control cancer.  Sulforaphane seems to normalize DNA methylation.  Methylation is a process by which a methyl group (one carbon atom attaches to three hydrogen atoms) is added to part of a DNA molecule. This process is an essential part of a normal cell's function.  It ensures that cells remember what their purpose is. so the cell can function as it is supposed to.  If a cell cannot remember what its role is, then it can develop into unwanted things like a virus, gene-related disease or cancer.  Even cooler is the fact that broccoli works on all types of cancers, unlike cancer drugs which only target specific cancers.

Broccoli is truly a super power food, and it seems you only need four servings (a serving equals 2 spears) a week to get the benefits.  I have always eaten and served broccoli three to four times a week even before I knew about the studies.  While I tell you that because I am proud of myself.  I also want to tell you that it really isn't so hard to fit it in.  I steam it, blanch it, stir fry it and roast it.  I also use the stalks and make a broccoli slaw or salad.  It is okay to use a high quality oil like extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil or ghee to give it a little flavor and enhance the nutrients.  Timing is an essential trick.  I serve the salad or vegetable first when people are really hungry and more likely to eat it.  People will always eat protein or a starch any time it is served in the meal, so postponing them a little for the broccoli works well and eliminates the nagging of, "eat your vegetable."

Broccoli really is a way to heal and strengthen your body without the side effects of drugs and their high costs.

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa