Why eating your Broccoli DOES Matter
I was not fond of broccoli growing up and it was not in vogue in the 60’s anyway. After becoming an RD and hearing about the virtues of cruciferous vegetables I still held off on eating the “crowns.”
Then something changed.
Not only did I realize how to make broccoli taste better but more importantly how it affected my health became of utmost concern.
Let’s start with the health aspects. If you want to read a full review on the benefits of broccoli I highly recommend you read this long abstract, which gives reviews on many whole foods.
1.Broccoli may help with the epidemic of vitamin D deficiency? How would it do that since it contains no vitamin D? Since broccoli is a rich source of both vitamins K and A (in beta-carotene form), it helps keep Vitamin D metabolism in balance.
Many researchers are now recommending a Vitamin D/K combo since one without the other may not lead to correct absorption sites in the body – i.e. the D won’t go to your bones (the right place) but rather build-up on the arteries (the wrong place).
2.Broccoli also has a powerful role in detoxifying bad hormones in the body. We are all exposed to harmful chemicals and environmental challenges on a daily basis. Food can dramatically impact these processes and lower risk of cancer, heart disease and other disease states leading to inflammation.
Broccoli can rid of the body of excess estrogen, which is especially helpful in lowering risk of breast cancer. During the change of life I feel the difference if I don’t include broccoli in my diet at least 4 times per week.
How do I eat it? Very simply: I stir-fry it in extra-virgin coconut oil and then top with either balsamic vinegar and thinly sliced almonds or grate some imported Parmesan cheese on top.
A few crowns per day could save your life and that is one of the simplest ways I know to improve your health and happiness.
