It is well established that broccoli is one of the most powerful healing foods around. Leader of the “cruciferous” family of nutrient-dense vegetables, broccoli is a wonder. A piece of health news has just uncovered how to make broccoli even stronger, even more of a cancer-fighter. The answer lies in spicing it up.
Teaming fresh broccoli with a spicy food that contains the enzyme myrosinase will significantly enhance each food’s cancer-fighting power. It also ensures that absorption takes place in the upper part of the digestive system where you’ll get the maximum health benefit, according to a new study.
Some ideas in the spicy department: broccoli sprouts; mustard; horseradish; or wasabi. Rule of thumb: the spicier, the better…and the more effective.
Researchers found that when fresh broccoli was eaten with broccoli powder, the scientists could measure bioactive compounds in the blood 30 minutes later. At three hours, these measurements peaked, and were much higher when the foods were eaten together than when either was eaten alone.
The best way to cook broccoli is to steam it, preserving the nutrients inside. But it must stand as a relative health secret that to add myrosinase to the equation boosts its power. And if you overcook broccoli, you can even boost its power by spicing it up as well. Myrosinase is the enzyme necessary to form sulforaphane, broccoli’s cancer-preventive component.
Other foods that will boost broccoli’s benefits if they are paired together include radishes, cabbage, arugula, watercress, and Brussels sprouts. The spiced-up broccoli, as noted, will spark absorption in the first part of your digestive system, which means the cancer-fighting qualities get to work right away and in greater effectiveness.
As few as three to five servings of broccoli a week provide a cancer-protective benefit. But it seems to pay to spice it up for added benefits. Plus, it can make broccoli more palatable for those who don’t like it. Find interesting ways to add fresh broccoli to your weekly diet, such as adding it to pizza, tossing it in stir-fries and even using broccoli sprouts on sandwiches.