Broccoli
Juicy Trivia
Broccoli is used at the famous Hippocrates Institute as a daily 'staple' in the fight against cancer. 'Broccoli' comes from the Latin word ‘brachium’ meaning branch or arm. Did you know that broccoli is part of the cabbage family, making it a cruciferous vegetable.
Jason Says...
My rule where broccoli is concerned is to juice the stem and eat the florets (lightly steam and sprinkle with soya sauce!). The stem is where you will get most juice and also find most of the nutrients. This is a hugely powerful vegetable and, in my opinion, one of the most genuine 'superfoods' and unlike acai berries it is one of the most widely available and most importantly affordable.
Broccoli should be dark green or purple depending on the variety. When broccoli turns yellow this indicates a loss of much of its nutritional value.
Juice or Smoothie?
Juice: Broccoli should always be juiced. Its strong taste can be very distinguishable so its advisable to always mix with some sweet apple or pineapple and of course plenty of other veggies. Unless of course you're hardcore and can handle the 'green stuff' neat (but for most, a glass of 'veg only' juice could put you off juicing for life!)
Juicy Benefits
Broccoli is one of the most nutrient-dense foods and one of the richest sources of Vitamin C. The reason that broccoli is considered so beneficial in fighting disease is due to its high levels of three powerful phytochemical groups - isothiocyanates, indoles and dithiolethiones. These special chemicals may help to protect the body from disease by regulating the way in which cells respond to the environmental elements that can potentially trigger changes within the DNA of the cell.
Research
The National Cancer Institute in America claim that broccoli may reduce the risk of breast cancer. This is due to the chemical indole, that has been found to increase the excretion of oestrogen linked to breast cancer.
A UK study led by Rose K Davidson concluded that the sulforaphane in broccoli and other green vegetables can represses matrix-degrading proteases which can protect against cartilage destruction so is helpful in osteoporosis.
Vitamins, Minerals and Extras
Vitamins C, B, Beta-Carotene and Folic Acid.
Calcium, Iron, Selenium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Sulphur.
The essential Amino Acid Valine, Leucine, Lysine and Arginine.
References
Pinnock, Dale, 2011, Medical Cookery, Right Way, London.
Jensen, Bernard.Dr, 2000, Juicing Therapy, Keats Publishing, Illinois.
Meyerowitz, Steve, 2000, Power Juices Super Drinks, Kensington Books, New York.
www.enwikipedia.org
www.juicebenefits.net
www.healthalternatives2000.com
www.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Disclaimer
Please be aware that we are not Doctors, so it is important BEFORE making any changes that you consult with your GP or Medical Practitioner. The suggestions above are not meant as an alternative to any current medical treatment so please DO NOT stop taking any medications you are on. They are also not an endorsement of their effectiveness, nor a recommendation that they should be followed but instead, provided for informational purposes. None of the information on the Natural Juice Therapy site is intended or implied to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease.