Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that is not only delicious to eat but contains some very important compounds that have been scientifically proven to have medicinal healing qualities.
What is So Special About Broccoli?
Broccoli contains two compounds, indole-3-carbinol and sulforaphane.
Indole-3-carbinol is thought to be especially useful in treating breast cancer as it has been found to lower levels of potent oestrogens that promote tumour growth in hormone sensitive cells. Breast cells are extremely sensitive to oestrogens and women and men with breast cancer have to be especially careful with ingesting or using any hormonal product.
Sulforaphane on the other hand protects the body against cancer by boosting the production of cancer blocking enzymes.
With these two amazing compounds both fighting cancer in two different ways, it's no wonder scientists are very interested in broccoli.
How Much Broccoli Do I Need to Consume?
Experts are unsure just how much broccoli you need to take to have these effects as the studies done have been used with separating the two compounds.
It is suggested however that 1/2 - 1 cup of broccoli a day can give you added benefit of receiving 2 grams of fibre which helps with the bowels, cholesterol and heart disease.
Also broccoli is high in folate which also has links to reducing the risks of cancer and protects against birth defects. Beta-carotene is also found in broccoli which is a well known nutrient to help boost the immune system and fight cancer.
What is The Best Way to Eat Broccoli?
It is suggested to heat broccoli just a little, don't overcook it. The best way to receive all the benefits of broccoli is to steam it lightly. Indole-3-carbinol doesn't survive well with a lot of heat.
When buying broccoli, a shade of purple is a good thing, this means there is more beta-carotene in it. Don't buy it if it's yellow, this means it's a bit old and the nutrient quality has been lost.
Can I Get Broccoli in a Capsule?
Yes, there are plenty of choices when it comes to buying broccoli or its' compounds. Indole-3-carbinol and sulphoraphane can be purchased at any health food store or pharmacy.
There have been some studies done on women taking Tamoxifen and indole-3-carbinol together with no adverse side-effects.
Women that have the papilloma virus taking indole-3-carbinol have been shown to have a 50% reduction in the risk of that virus developing into cervical cancer.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) is now sponsoring clinical research into the effects of indole-3-carbinol. For more information on natural medicines and cancer click here.
