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 contains sulforaphane was 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.

If you want to get a higher dosage of sulforaphane try eating broccoli sprouts (available at natural grocery stores or farmers’ markets) and eat at least 2-3 tbsp. every day in a salad or on the side.

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 organic coconut oil or grass-fed butter or ghee and then top with either a little 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.