Broccoli is considered one of the most healthy and nutritious vegetables in the world. It offers numerous health benefits. To obtain the maximum health benefits, we need to take just the right amount and cook it the right way.
Preparing Broccoli
Wash broccoli under cold running water. Do not discard the stems and leaves of broccoli for they provide a good balance of flavours. Cut broccoli florets into quarters and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before cooking in order to enhance its health-promoting benefits. Then steam it for 5 minutes.
Broccoli and Cancer
Broccoli when chewed or cut releases a variety of biochemicals that are powerful anti-cancer agents and they neutralize cancer-causing substances. These biochemicals are so powerful that they are even known to slow down the progression of existing cancer cells.
Research on Broccoli shows decreased risk of prostate cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer, and ovarian cancer.
Cancer preventing benefits
Recent studies have shown an average of 1/2 cup of broccoli per day or 2-3 cup serving per week is good enough to provide us some measurable cancer preventing benefits. Broccoli should be briefly cooked (steamed but still crunchy) to retain most of its valuable nutrients.
Microwaving broccoli destroys 97% of its anti-cancer compounds. Hence eat raw, steam it or add it to soups or salads.