The vegetable has been found to contain some powerful bioactive phytochemicals that can help to fight cancer, arthritis, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease among others. Studies have shown broccoli to protect cells from DNA damage, detox the body, kill cancer cells, inhibit cancer cell growth/spread, be a powerful anti-inflammatory, and have antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties.
The actions of broccoli are carried out through copious amounts of fiber, sulforaphane, glucoraphanin, phenolic compounds, DIM, beta carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, folate, vitamins C/E/K, and minerals. Cruciferous veggies contain glucosinolates that promote health and fight disease which also help to explain why these foods have a pungent aroma and slightly bitter flavor.
One of the most powerful cancer fighting ingredients that can found within broccoli is sulforaphane which supports proper DNA replication and function of the cells. It encourages cell death in oral, colon, bladder, prostate, lungs, brain, breasts, tongue, thyroid, pharynx, esophageal, and skin cancers; sulforaphane is effective against most cancers. 3 servings a week of brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli or other cruciferous veggies can reduce overall risk of cancer by over 60%. Sulforaphane also helps to reduce damage from free radicals by as much as 73% that can cause harm on various body systems and cells. It induces cancer cell death without harming healthy cells, strengthens healthy cell production, and enhances ability of certain anticancer/chemotherapy medications while limiting their toxic effects on normal cells. Sulforaphane also has powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that fight diabetes, heart disease, and allergies among others.
Phenolic compounds found within broccoli help to stop damage from free radicals, and reduce inflammation that are the beginnings of many serious diseases; these compounds are also effective against viral, fungal, and bacterial infections.
DIM/Diindolymethane has many beneficial effects to the body including boosting the immune system, and making it more effective at killing cancer cells; it is a metabolite of indole 3 carbinol, and helps to prevent excess estrogen from converting into a dangerous form of estrogen. A study published in Pharmaceutical Research found low doses of DIM to induce a protein that helps to kill cancer and reduce new cancer cell growth. Another study published in Pharmaceutical Research found low doses of DIM to induce production of a protein in prostate cancer cells that weaken and kill cancer cells and stop their spread.
Broccoli sprouts are an alternative broccoli that is even more potent, 2 day old sprouts can contain up to 50 times the levels of cancer preventing compounds as mature broccoli; these sprouts can be grown at home and enjoyed raw, and their mild taste makes them compatible for a variety of salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and to be used as a garnish. Baby broccoli/broccolini is even more milder to taste; it’s tender crisp texture makes it great for steaming which boosts the sulforaphane and other photochemical content.
Combining mustard seed, daikon radish, wasabi, arugula, or cabbage with broccoli can help to maximize the potential cancer fighting effects of broccoli. The American Institute for Cancer Research suggests those who consumed a broccoli supplement and a second food with myrosinase had higher levels of sulforaphane in their blood and urine.
Broccoli has a bounty of benefits that extend beyond cancer prevention that make consuming this cruciferous vegetable well worth it. Broccoli helps to fight non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and liver cancer by lowering triglyceride levels; detoxifies the body; reduces inflammation; protects skin from sun damage; improves digestion by adding fiber for a healthy gut and supports healthy microbiome; reduces/maintains blood sugar levels; supports heart health; has flavonoids that fight allergies; and its carotenoids support eye health.
It looks like your parents were right to make you sit at the table until you ate your broccoli. Adding grass fed butter or cheese to it can help those who don’t like the taste to eat it, the healthy fats will also help to improve absorption of many nutrients found within it.
