Cancer-Fighting Green Machine

​Rejoice, broccoli-lovers! Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that three to five servings of broccoli a week, if prepared correctly, are useful in preventing cancer. To extract the health benefits of broccoli, the enzyme myrosinase must be preserved; in other words, don’t overcook the broccoli or expect broccoli-based supplements alone to do the same job. (The researchers recommended “steaming broccoli for two to four minutes.”) If broccoli sprouts sounds more appealing than regular broccoli, you’re in luck: the sprouts are particularly full of myrosinase and can boost the effectiveness of broccoli powder by helping to absorb sulforaphane. Sulforaphane is another compound that in relatively high levels helps target/fight cancer, as found in a study last year on breast cancer stem cells. Sulforaphane can also be found in mustard, radishes, arugula, and wasabi. Here’s to preventing cancer with a green diet!

~GB