How to use Broccoli for Cancer Treatment

How to use Broccoli for Cancer Treatment?

                                           The balance between the cell division and cell death determines the number of cells in the tissues. Abnormal growths called Tumors are formed by the uncontrollable cell division. Tumors are of two types. They are benign and malignant. The benign tumors are slow growing and constrained by surrounding connective tissue. So, they do not spread to other organs. The malignant tumors are called Cancers. These tumors can spread beyond the limit of the original organ where it originates and spreads to the other organs of the body.  

What characteristics of Broccoli makes so special?

•  To get secured from the cancers, we have a great source of vegetable that  is nothing but Broccoli.  
•  Consumption of Broccoli in your daily diet can help to prevent Cancer or slow its progression.  
• Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable. 
• Broccoli is an excellent source of phytochemicals, glucosinolates, sulforaphane, phenolics, antioxidant vitamins as well as dietary minerals. 
• Broccoli also consists of vitamins E, C, K, Iron, Zinc, Selenium. 
• Abundant amounts of Broccoli in your daily diet radically lowers the  risk of cancers. 

• Broccoli, specifically, consists of  a high amount of a Phytochemical called Sulforaphane, which is a Cancer-fighting plant product.

• This Chemical (Sulforaphane) has been linked to reducing the risks of prostate, breast, gastric, colon and oral cancers. 

• This Chemical (Sulforaphane) is particularly a potent compound that boosts the body’s protective enzymes to flushes out cancer causing chemicals. 

• University of Michigan, study on mice found that the Chemical (Sulforaphane) also targets cancer stem cells - those that aid in tumor growth. 

• Broccoli also affect estrogen levels, which may help to reduce breast cancer risk. 

Different healthy ways of consuming Broccoli: 

• Broccoli can be prepared in a number of healthy and delicious ways. It can be added to a main course, a wonderful side dish, or a delicious and quick snack. 

• The Broccoli can be enjoyed both raw and cooked. 

• There are 5 domestic cooking methods of Broccoli which includes-

1. Steaming, 

2. Microwaving, 

3. Boiling, 

4. Stir-frying and 

5. Stir-frying followed by boiling

• But except Steaming, the rest of the cooking methods are not suggested, as they result in the highest loss of nutrients, proteins, and antioxidant properties. 

• In general, the steaming led to the lowest loss of nutrients, proteins and the main component or phytochemical (Sulforaphane). 

• So, steaming appears to be the best cooking method of broccoli in retention of Sulforaphane as well as antioxidant properties. 

• The other method of cooking broccoli that retains Sulforaphane is— First boil the broccoli in water, strain it, then add mustard seed powder as required. The mustard seed powder contains Myrosinase. As a result of addition of mustard seed powder, it significantly increases the formation of Sulforaphane which is an anticancer Phytochemical.

• In addition to Broccoli as a vegetable, even the Broccoli sprouts is a superfood to consume that can prevent cancer and cure cancer.

                        Consuming more Broccoli in one's routine diet is a nutritious way to boost overall health. It can  improve the quality of one's life by fighting against cancerous cells and can increase the lifespan to some extent.