31 Days of Raw: Day #2: BROCCOLI!

31 Days of Raw: Day #2 BROCCOLI

Broccoli, or “Baby Trees” as my daughter calls it, is such an incredible food.  I love the crispness and it’s so delicious!  A fabulous little tree to dunk into your favorite dip (my cashew cheese is my favorite with broccoli) or to add to other dishes (like the “Where’s the Beef & Broccoli” meal that is wonderfully easy and delicious). Broccoli has LOTS and LOTS  of health benefits, but it shouldn’t be a chore to eat!  There are MANY great recipes out there, including three in my first UnCookBook and two more (so far) in my second.  After you read up on WHY you should add Broccoli to your shopping list, you’ll find an easy, delicious recipe at the end of this page.

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BROCCOLI Benefits

Cancer:
Broccoli may prove to be a natural wonder-drug for many types of cancer, including breast cancer, cancer of uterus, prostrate cancer, cancers of internal organs like lungs, colon, liver, kidneys etc. and cancer of intestines. But it is particularly good for breast cancer and uterus cancer, as it removes extra estrogen from the body. This is due to the presence of strong anti-carcinogens like glucoraphanin, diindolylmethane, beta-carotene, selenium and other nutrients like vitamin-C, vitamin-A and vitamin-E, zinc, potassium and certain amino acids, which are also good anti-cancer agents.

Detoxification:
The presence of vitamin-C, sulphur and certain amino acids make broccoli a very good detoxifier. It helps remove free radicals and toxins like uric acid from the body, thereby purifying blood and keeping away problems related with toxins such as boils, itches, rashes, gout, arthritis, rheumatism, renal calculi, skin diseases like eczema and hardening of skin etc.

Stomach Disorders:
Broccoli is very rich in fiber or roughage, the best thing which can cure almost all the stomach disorders by curing constipation, since constipation is the root to almost all the stomach disorders. The fiber forms the bulk of the food, retains water and forms the bowels. The magnesium and the vitamins present in the broccoli also cure acidity, facilitate proper digestion and absorption of nutrients from the food and soothe the stomach by reducing inflammation.

Skin Care:
The credit for keeping your skin glowing and young goes to expert anti-oxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin-C and other helpers like vitamin B complex, vitamin E (the one that gives shine to your skin, hair etc. and revives skin tissues), vitamin A & K, omega 3 fatty acids (adds glamour), amino acids and folate present in the broccoli. They take very good care of your skin.

Heart Diseases:
Apart from the anti-oxidants mentioned above, broccoli has very high fiber content, beta-carotene, omega-3 fatty acids and other vitamins which help reduce bad cholesterol as well as keep the heart functioning properly by regulating the blood-pressure.

Eye Care & Cataract:
Primarily Zeaxanthin and then Beta-carotene, vitamin A, phosphorus and other vitamins such as Bcomplex, C and E present in Broccoli are very good for ocular health. These substances protect eyes against Macular degeneration, cataract and repair damages from UV radiations.

Immune System:
The substances responsible for green and purple color of broccoli, vitamin C, beta-carotene and other vitamins and minerals, particularly selenium, copper, zinc, phosphorus, etc., present in broccoli are really great immune-strengtheners. They protect you from numerous infections.

Bone Health:
Being very rich in calcium (present by 47 mg. per 100 grams) and other nutrients such as magnesium, zinc and phosphorus, eating broccoli is very beneficial particularly for children, old people and pregnant ladies or lactating mothers, because these people are most prone to osteoporosis, weakening of bones, teeth, etc., and deficiency of calcium. Studies have shown that broccoli contains more calcium than most dairy products

Pregnancy:
Since broccoli is so nutritious and full of nutrients essential for pregnant ladies, such as proteins, calcium, vitamins, anti-oxidants, detoxifiers, iron, phosphorus and others, it is an ideal component of diet for them. Being rich in fiber, this will also keep away constipation which is very common during pregnancy.  A cup of broccoli supplies 94 mcg of folic acid, a B-vitamin essential for proper cellular division because it is necessary in DNA synthesis. Without folic acid, the fetus’ nervous system cells do not divide properly.

High Blood Pressure:
An important mineral, chromium, found abundantly in broccoli, helps in proper functioning of insulin and regulates blood sugar, thereby regulating blood pressure also. Vitamins, which make all our systems function properly and found in abundance in broccoli, along with fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, helps regulate blood pressure.

Anemia:
Anemia is directly related to lack of iron and certain proteins. Broccoli is rich in both of these and hence forms an excellent remedy for anemia. therefore helping to build bone mass.

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Marinated Broccoli

• 2 head broccoli, chopped into bite size pieces
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1½ tablespoon lime or lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tsp sea salt
  

Pour olive oil and lemon/lime juice over broccoli, followed by sprinkling on the garlic and spices. Toss to coat. Let stand for at least an hour so broccoli can marinade. The longer it marinates the better it tastes.  I like to store it in a plastic container with a lid in order to give it a few good shakes every so often and spread the dressing around.

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