Monday, May 13, 2013

Broccoli--Our #1 Cancer Fighting Food


“If we prevent Cancer then 100% survive (cancer).” –Dr. Bob Rakowski

(Me, eating a head of broccoli plain with my dinner. No, I wasn't in witness protection)

We live in a day and age where our likelihood of getting cancer is ever increasing. At the age of 22 I have multiple friends who have, have had and unfortunately will get cancer. I don’t say this to sound sadistic and I don’t want to scare anyone, but at some point we have to face the truth. Why is everyone getting cancer and why are the numbers continually increasing if our modern medicine is supposed to be advancing?

Dr. Bob Rakouski, one of my instructors and someone whose work I follow closely asked us multiple times in class, “When does a tornado or hurricane start?” The answer, “When the conditions are just right.”  The way our society is feeding itself is making the conditions of our body “just right” for not only cancer to form but all sorts of major health problems.

The good news is that by living a healthy lifestyle 40% of cancers can be avoided. (Ref 1)

I could type a VERY lengthy post about cancer, the causes and how to prevent it but today I want to zero in on one food that has been proven to reduce your cancer risk. I’ll have to save the rest for another post.

I am happy to say that the one of my favorite vegetables is one of the leading vegetables in cancer prevention. As you can see from the picture above, it is not uncommon for me to take a washed head of broccoli and eat it like an ice cream cone (although I don’t lick it, I chew it of course).

So let’s talk about broccoli for a minute. In 1992, scientists found a compound in broccoli called sulforaphane—this compound helps mobilize your body’s natural cancer-fighting resources. Sulforaphane has also been found to block the forming of tumors—which are initiated by chemical carcinogens (a substance capable of causing cancer in your tissue). There has also been data found saying that broccoli works like a chemotherapy agent in your tissue! How cool is that? It promotes detoxification enzyme systems (phase 1 and 2) which make your cancer cells kill themselves or to be technical--apoptosis. Eating broccoli is also great for your gut (GI) health—which is essential because your immune system is based out of your gut (GI). (Ref 2)

These are just a few ways broccoli helps prevent cancer cells from forming in your cell tissues. I believe it’s safe to say we could all add a good dose of broccoli to our diets!

Happy Eating
Hope
xoxo

References:
(1)    European Comission Recommendation C(2010)2587 final, 2010) http://www.medunigraz.at/pathophysiologie/1042 
(2)    http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2000/nov2000_report_lemix_2.html below

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