This entry was posted 14 years, 3 months ago.
March 9, 2009
Is there anybody who still did not hear about nutritional values and amazing therapeutic properties of Broccoli (Brassica Oleracea or Brassica italica)? I do not think so. Usually, men do not like and do not eat this vegetable, since Broccoli is considered to be necessary for women as a natural remedy to prevent the development of breast cancer. However, broccoli, as a close relative of cauliflower, another real deposit of very useful natural elements and vitamins, is a real super food. It is one of the most useful vegetables which provides a range of unique nutritional and healing effects compatible with the effects of the most advanced modern medicines.
Broccoli originates from Calabria, Italy, and its name comes from the Italian word “brachium” for “branch” or “arm“. It was very popular in the Roman Empire in the eighth-tenth centuries, and later on Italian immigrants brought this vegetable to American continent. However, soon European nations lost their interest in broccoli, and only after the World War I this vegetable was re-introduced in Europe. In the 1920s, the first commercial plantations of broccoli were launched in California. Since those times, broccoli remains one of the most favorite foods for every modern person, who takes care about own health and well-being.
100 grams of broccoli has 25 calories. This vegetable is a great natural source of dietary fiber, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, zinc, Vitamins C, B1, B2, B6, PP, E, K and A, folic acid and omega 3 fatty acid, tryptophan, beta-carotene and other important nutrients. In order to benefit from all those useful elements and all therapeutic values of broccoli, it is recommended to steam the sprouts or cook broccoli in a microwave oven. In contrast to usual boiling, these methods help to preserve the whole valuable nutrient content of this vegetable.
In the researches publicized in American Journal of Epidemiology in 1999, it was mentioned that broccoli assists in reducing the risks of having coronary heart disease. Broccoli stimulates and improves our immune system. Broccoli boosts cleansing abilities and speeds up detoxification processes in our body. Besides, it helps to prevent possible problems with liver, various infections and anemia. Natural components found in broccoli can effectively fight against the bacteria causing the infections in the stomach and peptic ulcers. Also, broccoli can assist in fighting with the symptoms of stresses.
Finally, anti-cancerous and anti-aging effects are the most valuable properties of broccoli, as well as cabbage, cauliflower, the Brusels sprouts and other vegetables from Brassica family. In 1992, it was scientifically proven by the specialists from Johns Hopkins University that sulforaphane which can be found in broccoli is a very effective anti-cencer agent that stimulates production of phase II enzymes in the liver, which, in turn, can block the formation of cancerous cells and slow down the develpment of cancer: such type as lung, bladder, colon, prostate, ovarian and especially breast cancer. Therefore, it is essential for modern women to add these miraculous Brassica vegetables to their daily diet.
Author Info: Hi! My name is Carla and I am a 5th year medical student at HYMS. I am interested in alternative medicine and I have done months researching the topic of herbal medicine. Besides, I like interviewing people and learning more about their experiences with one or another type of herbal treatments. I am willing to contribute to this site with my knowledge, and I would be happy to help you out to the best of my ability with any specific questions or problems related to alternative medicine.
March 31st, 2009 at 12:33 pm
I just wanted to say that I love this site
June 10th, 2009 at 11:20 am
You obviously know your stuffs! I’ve been searching for these kind of information, and I found it here. Might I ask where do you get all your information? 😀
June 11th, 2009 at 10:48 am
Dear Judd,
Welcome to my site, I am glad that the information I post here is useful for you. I usually get it from books and scientific magazines, sometimes I ask suggestions from my tutors and the experts I know.
Take care 🙂
September 22nd, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Hi, Carla! I just by chance came across this site.. and I am actually so glad to go through all the information..
June 13th, 2010 at 6:31 am
HI CARLA,JUST FOUND THIS SITE BY CHANCE N I LOVE IT…I HAD BREAST CANCER IN 2006 N AM FINE NOW BUT YES I DO TAKE LOTS OF BROCCOLI JUICES N VEGGIES N FRUIT JUICES…..KEEP UP THE FABULOUS WORK….MY ADVICE TO EVERYONE…DRINK LOTS OF FRESH VEGGIE N FRUIT JUICES…