All About Broccoli

Broccoli and cancer risk
A compound found in broccoli and broccoli sproutsappears to be more effective than modern antibiotics against the bacteria which causes peptic ulcers. Moreover, tests in mice show that the compound offers tremendous protection against stomach cancer - the second most common form of cancer in the world.

The recent study, led by scientists at Johns Hopkins University, is the latest in a series of studies done in the past 10 years on the cancer-fighting potential of broccoli.
Back in 1992, Johns Hopkins University pharmacology professor Paul Talalay and his colleagues showed that sulforaphane - a substance produced by the body from a compound in broccoli - could trigger the production of phase II enzymes. Phase II enzymes can detoxify cancer-causing chemicals and are among the most potent anti-cancer compounds known to man.
It should be noted that broccoli sprouts have shown to be every bit as beneficial as full grown brocoli.
A different study showed that consumption of broccoli was strongly associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease death in postmenopausal women.

In yet another stydy conducted jointly with US and Chinese researchers (4), it was found that chemicals present in broccoli, cabbage, bok choy, and other cruciferous vegetables may protect against lung cancer. Researchers studied more than 18,000 men. They recorded 259 cases of lung cancer during the study’s follow-up period. The researchers found that the men with detectable amounts of a substance known as ‘isothiocyanates’ in their bodies had a 36% lower risk of developing lung cancer over a 10-year period.

Isothiocyanates are found in broccoli and other so called ‘cruciferous’ vegetables.

Although the chemicals did lower the cancer risk by 36% in this study, it should be noted that smoking alone increases lung cancer risks by as much as 10 times. Smoking is a BEHAVIOUR problem, not some virus that silently comes in and attacks you! Transcendental meditation has helped me make marked improvements in not only my health and behavior but all aspects of my life. I highly recommend you look into it

Look for good broccoli:

Sturdy, dark-green spears with tight buds, no yellowing and a high floret-to-stem ratio.
How to cook:

- Prep: Cut off florets; cut stalks in half lengthwise and then into 1-inch-thick half-moons.
- Microwave: Place stems and florets in a large glass baking dish. Cover tightly and microwave on High until tender, about 4 minutes.
- Roast: Preheat oven to 500°F. Spread on a baking sheet or in a pan large enough to hold them in a single layer. Coat with 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil. Roast, turning once halfway through cooking, until tender and browned in places, about 10 minutes.
- Steam: Place stems in a steamer basket over 2 inches of water (with 1 tablespoon lemon juice added to it) in a large pot set over high heat. Cover and steam for 2 minutes. Add florets; cover and continue steaming until tender, about 5 minutes more.
from: many source