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One reason in addition to its cancer fighting properties and
other nutrients we'll discuss later is its phytochemical
properties that fight other diseases as well. Recent studies
report that broccoli contains a chemical (phytochemical)
that inhibits the growth of the H Pylori bacteria! (1)
Helicobacter pylori (aka H Pylori) is a leading cause of
gastritis and stomach ulcers. Unfortunately, studies have
shown a high positive correlation between repeated bouts of
H Pylori with stomach cancer. And H Pylori has proven to be
a very stubborn strain of bacteria as some of us may know
after taking multiple dosages of antibiotics over time for a
recurring infection. The phytochemicals found in Broccoli,
according to these studies has been shown to inhibit growth
of even antibiotic resistant strains in human and mice cell
cultures.
What is a phytochemical? Phytochemicals are (non-nutrient
compounds) found in plants that have biological activity in
the human body. After all, plants have been around a lot
longer than we have, so these compounds have played a role
in their survival and they play a role in ours too.
Broccoli is loaded with other Phytochemicals, the most well
known are Indoles and Sulforaphane. It also contains two
other types of phyto's, all shown to have either protective
qualities against cancer, or enzyme producing qualities that
destroy cancer cells. Sulforaphane is the primary
phytochemical that has been found to kill H Pylori.
Now if this isn't enough, Broccoli also contains a high
amount of Vitamin C, and in fact by weight it contains more
C than an orange (1 cup is almost double the amount of C
than found in an orange). It is loaded with Vitamin A, high
in folacin, potassium, calcium,and it has 5 grams of fiber (floret
and stalk offers the highest fiber) per cup. At 25 calories
per cup of raw or 25 calories per 1/2 cup cooked (of course
it has no fat) it gives us a lot of reasons to eat it often.
Broccoli is one of those foods that fills us up, without
filling us out. Eat it with a great low calorie dip, or add
it to salads. Eat it steamed with some fresh squeezed lemon
and a touch of grated cheese, or order it sautéed in
chicken stock with garlic at your favorite restaurant for a
low fat version of sautéed. Add it to a pasta dish along
with a few other veggies, and you'll watch the dish grow
hearty (we can even cut back on our pasta portion and still
have a big dish). Steamed broccoli is usually available at
those salad bars we've talked about too!
So, have we eaten our broccoli today?
Here's to our health!
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