Broccoli

See also : Cruciferous Vegetables

Special Precautions of Broccoli

• Anti-Thyroid or Goitrogenic : All members of the cabbage family -- broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, kale, mustard, turnip, black red radish -- can cause goiter because they all contain glucosinolates. Glucosinolates are modified amino acids. Goiter is the enlargement of the thyroid gland due to iodine deficiency. When radish is chopped or chewed, glucosinolates break down into isothiocyanate, oxazalidine-2-thione, nitrite and thiocyanate ion. Isothiocyanates, oxazalidine-2-thione and isothiocyanate ion can cause goiter, by interfering with the production and secretion of essential thyroid hormones. Without these hormones, the body's ability to burn and use energy is jeopardized.
• For those who are taking blood thinning medications, the excessive intake of broccoli is not a wise move since it may interfere with the medications, thereby increasing their risk of suffering from stroke.
• Eating over one to two cups of broccoli a day may also increase the chances of dealing with kidney stones.
• Cruciferous Vegetables are excellent accumulators of heavy metals, including thallium. Cruciferous vegetables include: kale, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, collard and mustard greens. While considering kale’s explosion in popularity, Hrecent reports made the link between cruciferous vegetables and possible thallium toxicity.

The benefits of Broccoli are

For decades, the American Cancer Society has known that broccoli and other cruciferous veggies, like cauliflower and watercress seem to lower cancer risk. And researchers have proven that compounds in broccoli called isothiocyanates (ITCs) halt the growth of cancer cells.

• Cancer: In addition to ITCs, broccoli contains anti-cancer agents like glucoraphanin, diindolylmethane, beta-carotene, selenium, vitamins C, A, and E, zinc, potassium, and amino acids. Broccoli fights effectively against cancers of the prostate, lung, colon, liver, kidney, intestine, and especially breast and uterine cancer, because broccoli flushes excess estrogen from the body. (See under !)
• Broccoli sprouts have up to fifty times more cancer fighting benefits than broccoli alone.
• Detoxification: Vitamin C, sulphur, and amino acids clear out free radicals and toxins, purify blood, and protect against boils, itches, rashes, gout, arthritis, rheumatism, renal calculi, and eczema.
• Digestion: Because it contains loads of fiber, broccoli aids digestion and prevents constipation. Magnesium and vitamins balance acidity and reduce inflammation.
• Skin Care: Broccoli promotes radiant skin and lustrous hair with antioxidants like beta carotene and vitamin C , along with vitamins A, E, K, and B complex, omega 3 fatty acids, amino acids, and folate.
• Heart Disease: Antioxidants, fiber, beta-carotene, omega-3 fatty acids, and other vitamins lower bad cholesterol and regulate blood pressure.
• Autism : Sulforaphane can ease the symptoms of autism in some people with the disorder.
• Eye Care & Cataracts: Zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, vitamin A, phosphorus, and other vitamins -- B complex, C, and E -- promote ocular health, protect against macular degeneration and cataracts, and repair UV damage.
• Immunity: Vitamin C, beta-carotene, selenium, copper, zinc, and phosphorus boost immunity and prevent infection.
• Bone Health: Plentiful calcium along with magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus build strong bones.
• Pregnancy: Protein, calcium, vitamins, antioxidants, detoxifiers, iron, phosphorus boost nutrition, and fiber prevents constipation.
• High Blood Pressure: Chromium, vitamins, fiber, and omega 3 fatty acids help to balance blood sugar, control insulin production and regulate blood pressure.
• Anemia: Broccoli is rich in the iron needed to boost red blood cells.
• Chlorophyll-benefits

Broccoli fights cancer

Bacteria found in your lower gut have the ability to spur the release of a cancer-fighting compound in broccoli called sulforaphane.

But, the combination of overcooking the delicious cruciferous veggie plus the processed-food loaded Western diet unfortunately destroys much of the cancer-conquering potential of this powerhouse.

Now a new study has found a way for us to rescue some of that lost potential (or simply boost it if you’re already cooking your broccoli correctly).

Researchers from the University of Illinois found that teaming broccoli up with a spicy food that contains the enzyme myrosinase supercharges both foods anti-cancer abilities. But the dream team doesn’t stop there. The combination also assures that absorption takes place in the upper part of your digestive system where it can have the most impact.

The U of I team showed that when spicy broccoli sprouts were eaten with broccoli powder the bioactive compounds in the volunteer’s blood were measurable within just 30 minutes. And when they peaked three hours later they were significantly higher than when either of the foods was eaten alone.

To understand how this synergy works you’ll need to know a bit more about the players.

The broccoli sprouts contain the myrosinase enzyme, which we now know enhances the abilities of the cancer-fighting compound sulforaphane. The broccoli powder does not contain the enzyme however it does contain the precursor to sulforaphane.

When the two foods are eaten together the broccoli powder borrows some of the myrosinase and both foods then produce sulforaphane as their ability to head off cancer skyrockets.

Sulforaphane has been studied previously for its effects on cancer, but new studies shows that its benefit is in inhibiting the breast cancer stem cells.

To take advantage of this effect in your own life you can spice up your next batch of broccoli by combining it with horseradish, mustard, broccoli sprouts, wasabi, or radishes. But to retain more of the cancer-fighting potential in those green stalks remember to only steam them lightly for 3 to 4 minutes.

The anti-cancer medicine in broccoli (DIM nutrients) isn't released until you chew them to combine two phytochemicals : Broccoli and related vegetables such as cabbage and Brussels sprouts naturally contain a chemical known as glucobrassicin. When these vegetables are crushed by chewing, a chemical reaction transforms glucobrassicin into indole-3-carbinol (I3C). In laboratory studies, I3C has been found to have tumor-suppressing effects, which may partially explain broccoli's cancer-fighting properties.