Broccoli is noted as one of the main vegetables to add to your diet to prevent cancer (along with other cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower and cabbage). Studies have proven that broccoli eradicates carcinogens in your body and can inhibit tumor growth. The cancer fighting properties come from eating broccoli raw, rather than cooked (that won’t stop me from steaming it, but I certainly end up munching away on the raw broccoli while I wait for the water to boil). You can possibly preserve the isothiocyanates by steaming broccoli for less than 5 minutes. Boiling and microwaving broccoli are shown to remove the properties that fight cancer.

Broccoli contains phytonutrients called glucosinolates, which produce isothiocyanates when they are broken down in chewing and digestion. Isothiocyanates work at the molecular level to eradicate carcinogenic compounds from your cells. – Read more at Livestrong.com

According to WebMd.com, the recommended amount to eat per week is two cups to reap its benefits. In addition to broccoli being a great food for cancer prevention, it is also a great source of dietary fiber, iron, folic acid and vitamin C .

Lemon chicken, steamed broccoli and rice.

Broccoli is a vegetable that is always kept in our vegetable drawer. We also grow broccoli in our garden every year. I tend to throw broccoli on my salads or eat it lightly steamed with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Once in awhile I will drench it in cheese sauce (I am cheese addict). How do you like to eat your broccoli?

A medical study about lung cancer and broccoli can be accessed here.

Please note: We aren’t doctors at my house and nothing posted on this blog should be considered medical advice. Please consult with your physician for assistance in medical matters..