Natural Alternative Therapies

The authors of the report GMO Myths and Truths concluded that the claims to the safety of genetically engineered foods are simply not true but are lies.

 

 

By Mercola -- http://bit.ly/yv3aVV ;

Source: http://bit.ly/Nh9RcF ;

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"Love it or hate it, this green cruciferous veggie is good for you in many ways."

 

9 Health Benefits of Broccoli

 

1. Cancer Prevention

Broccoli shares these cancer fighting, immune boosting properties with other cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and cabbage.

 

2. Cholesterol Reduction

Packed with soluble fiber that draws cholesterol out of your body

3. Reducing Allergy Reaction and Inflammation

4. Powerful Antioxidant

Of all the cruciferous vegetables, broccoli stands out as the most concentrated source of vitamin C, plus the flavonoids necessary for vitamin C to recycle effectively

 

5. Bone Health
Contains high levels of both calcium and vitamin K, both of which are important for bone health and prevention of osteoporosis.

6. Heart Health
May be able to prevent (or even reverse) some of the damage to blood vessel linings that can be caused by inflammation due to chronic blood sugar problems

7. Detoxification

8. Diet Aid

A  smart carb, high in fiber, which aids in digestion, prevents constipation, maintains low blood sugar, and curbs overeating. A cup of broccoli has as much protein as a cup of rice or corn with half the calories.

9. Alkalizes Your Body

Helps keep your whole body less acidic, which has a host of health benefits

Tips for Use:

If you are interested in lowering cholesterol, the fiber-related components in broccoli do a better job of binding together with bile acids in your digestive tract when they’ve been steamed.

When this binding process takes place, it’s easier for bile acids to be excreted, and the result is a lowering of your cholesterol levels.

Raw broccoli has slightly less effect on cholesterol but more in other areas.

Avoid overcooking broccoli as about half of its beneficial substances may be destroyed in the process. Also, microwaving is thought to remove valuable nutrients from broccoli.

 

Light steaming is best. Steam the broccoli for just a couple of minutes, until it turns bright green. Stop cooking while it still has a bit of firmness to it.

Add broccoli and cauliflower to soups and stews. Eat broccoli or cauliflower raw or lightly steamed with dip or pour an Olive Oil Lemon Dressing over it. Chop lightly steamed broccoli and cauliflower and add to a pasta salad. Toss pasta with olive oil, pine nuts and steamed broccoli florets. Add salt and pepper to taste. Purée cooked broccoli and cauliflower, then combine with seasonings of your choice to make a simple, yet delicious, soup. Add broccoli florets and chopped stalks to omelettes.

For significant anti-cancer benefits, some researchers are recommending 3 cups per day. This means don’t just use a garnish – cook up a LOT.

 

Health Cautions

Broccoli contains goitrogens, naturally-occurring substances that can interfere [suppress] with the function of the thyroid gland.

If you are healthy there is no risk, but certain individuals who have thyroid problems may be advised by their healthcare practitioner to limit excessive consumption of foods that contain these compounds.

Cooking seems to inactivate the goitrogenic compounds found in food, so steaming of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli makes good sense.

Source: http://bit.ly/KrFLGd

By  Diana J Herrington - http://bit.ly/yZ9JKr

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