Brilliant Broccoli

Broccoli is high in vitamins K and C as well as being a great source of fibre. It’s low in calories and is very low on the GI index.

It also contains multiple nutrients with potent anti-cancer properties, such as diindolymethane and small amounts of selenium. Part of the reasons it helps fight against cancer is that it has anti inflammatory properties, which also make it a great food to eat if you’re concerned about keeping a youthful appearance and looking after your skin.

A single serving provides more than 30 mg of vitamin C meaning that you could get your whole daily allowance by eating less than 100g of it!. The diindolymethane found in broccoli is a potent modulator of our immune response system with anti-viral, anti-bacteriall and anti-cancer activity.

Broccoli also contains the compound glucoraphanin, which can be processed into an anti-cancer compound sulforaphrane, though the anti-cancer benefits of broccoli are greatly reduced if the vegetable is boiled, so the best ways to cook it are by stir frying, microwaving or steaming.

Broccoli is also an excellent source of indole-3-carbinol, a chemical which boosts DNA repair in cells and appears to block the growth of cancer cells.

Broccoli stands out as a concentrated source of a premiere antioxidant nutrient—vitamin C. This central antioxidant vitamin can provide longer-term support of oxygen metabolism in the body if it is accompanied by flavonoids that allow it to recycle. Broccoli provides many such flavonoids in significant amounts, including the flavonoids kaempferol and quercitin. Also concentrated in broccoli are the carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene. All three of these carotenoids function as key antioxidants. In the case of lutein and beta-carotene, broccoli has been shown not only to provide significant amounts of these antioxidants but to significantly increase their blood levels when consumed in the amount of three cups. Other antioxidants provided by broccoli in beneficial amounts include vitamin E and the minerals manganese and zinc.

Antioxidants are considered important in reducing your risk of cancer and also as part of slowing the ageing process, so keep young, beautiful and above all, healthy, and tuck into Brilliant Broccoli!

 

 

If you need help in managing your diet, or would just like to be more motivated to east healthier foods, hypnotherapy can make it much easier for you. Check out my website www.talktherapies.co.uk