Broccoli is known as the "king of vegetables" and contains rich nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and carotenoids. Its nutritional value ranks top among similar vegetables. However, its greatest value lies in its powerful anti-cancer effects!
1. Broccoli can prevent 8 types of cancer
1. Prevention of colon cancer: Broccoli contains various powerful antioxidants, which can help speed up our body's detoxification process. It also contains natural chemicals that can eliminate various toxins and carcinogens. Studies have shown that eating broccoli three times a week can reduce the risk of colon cancer by 60%.
2. Prevention of head and neck cancer: According to a study published in the International Journal of Oral Medicine, carotenoids have potential preventive effects against oral cancer. Broccoli is rich in carotenoids, with a content of 7210 micrograms per 100 grams, which is twice that of carrots. It can effectively prevent head and neck cancers such as oral and throat cancer.
3. Prevention of breast cancer: Research by American nutritionists has found that broccoli contains a nitrogen compound called indole, which can reduce estrogen levels in the body. It can also block the stimulating effects of active estrogen on breast cells, thereby exerting anti-cancer and cancer-preventing effects.
4. Prevention of bladder cancer: An experiment conducted by Harvard University and Ohio State University showed that people who eat two or more servings of broccoli per week have a 40% lower risk of bladder cancer compared to those who eat only one serving. Researcher He Hongju from the National Vegetable Engineering Technology Research Center explained that broccoli contains a substance called glucosinolate, and its decomposition product, sulforaphane, has been proven to have anti-cancer effects.
5. Prevention of prostate cancer: The Food Research Institute in the UK conducted an experiment in which they divided the participants into two groups and gave them four servings of broccoli and peas per week respectively. The results showed that the group eating broccoli had "anti-cancer genes" in their bodies, which can protect men from prostate cancer.
6. Prevention of liver cancer: Broccoli can activate enzymes in the liver, thereby promoting the detoxification of toxins and carcinogens in the liver.
7. Prevention of stomach cancer: When suffering from stomach cancer, the level of selenium in the body's serum significantly decreases, and the concentration of vitamin C in gastric juice is significantly lower than that of normal individuals. Broccoli can not only supplement selenium and vitamin C, but also provide abundant carotenoids, which can prevent the formation of precancerous cells and inhibit the growth of tumors. Research has found that eating a little broccoli every day (about 70 grams) for two months can prevent stomach cancer.
8. Prevention of esophageal cancer: Broccoli contains abundant plant nutrients, which can effectively prevent esophageal cancer. Persistently eating broccoli not only prevents esophageal cancer, but also improves physical functions, balances nutrition, and optimizes health.
2. Five ways to enhance the anti-cancer effects of broccoli
1. Broccoli + tomatoes: Tomatoes are extremely rich in lycopene, which has a good effect on preventing prostate cancer and can effectively reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, throat cancer, oral cancer, and breast cancer. Eating them together can enhance their anti-cancer effects.
2. Broccoli + mustard: The "mustard enzyme" in mustard is the necessary enzyme for the formation of anti-cancer component sulforaphane in broccoli. Eating broccoli with a little mustard can enhance the absorption of sulforaphane in the digestive tract, thereby enhancing its anti-cancer effects.
3. Broccoli + black fungus: Black fungus contains rich polysaccharides that can decompose tumors and improve immune function, making it an excellent partner for cancer prevention when combined with broccoli.
4. Broccoli + carrots: Carrots, like broccoli, have high nutritional value and are rich in carbohydrates, fats, essential oils, carotenoids, and various vitamins. Carotenoids can be converted into vitamin A in the body, which can prevent epithelial cell carcinogenesis. Combining carrots with broccoli provides high nutritional value.
5. Broccoli + garlic: Garlic is known as a "natural antibiotic" and some of its active substances have certain antibacterial effects. The sulfur compounds and selenium compounds contained in garlic also have positive effects on cancer prevention. Combining broccoli with garlic can have excellent anti-cancer effects.
