{"id":12111,"date":"2015-07-18T17:57:50","date_gmt":"2015-07-18T14:57:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.lifeadvancer.com\/?p=12111"},"modified":"2015-07-18T17:57:50","modified_gmt":"2015-07-18T14:57:50","slug":"5-reasons-you-need-more-broccoli-in-your-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lifeadvancer.com\/5-reasons-you-need-more-broccoli-in-your-life\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Reasons You Need More Broccoli in Your Life"},"content":{"rendered":"
If you haven\u2019t already welcomed this cruciferous vegetable into your diet with open arms, now is the time to start<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t let residual childhood feelings of broccoli based fear and loathing keep you from giving this green a chance.<\/p>\n Broccoli is a cancer-battling powerhouse. Quercetin and kaempferol are two particular flavonoids that have demonstrated the capacity to fight inflammation<\/a> and inhibit the growth of tumor cells.<\/p>\n The vegetable\u2019s isothiocyanates (including sulforaphane<\/em>) can restrict the enzyme histone deacetylase, which is known to be affiliated with the proliferation of cancer cells.<\/p>\n Studies have also shown that sulforaphane normalizes DNA methylation<\/a>. This process (DNA methylation<\/em>) is responsible for cell memory and regulating gene expression (which includes gene suppression<\/em>). Abnormal DNA expression (the type that should be suppressed<\/em>) is a contributing factor to the development of nearly all cancers.<\/p>\n Detoxification of the body is generally considered a 2-step process. Broccoli has the capacity to affect activity in both steps. Studies have shown that the isothiocyanates (ITCs<\/em>) derived from the glucosinolates in the vegetable are able to promote Phase I of detoxification. ITCs are also able to help bridge gaps in Phase II activity, potentially alleviating the chance of insufficiency.<\/p>\n Broccoli<\/a> also has a triple-threat of phytochemicals (glucoraphanin, gluconasturtiin, and glucobrassicin<\/em>) which also assist in both phases of the process. The high fiber content (which helps keep the digestive track clear<\/em>) also contributes to the elimination of bodily waste (and subsequent detoxification<\/em>).<\/p>\n Free radicals can wreak havoc on your body\u2019s cells, so it\u2019s up to antioxidants to fight the good fight and neutralize these destructive agents. Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C<\/a>, an electron donor that makes for a potent water-soluble antioxidant.<\/p>\n Sulforaphane also contributes to several antioxidant defense pathways in the body<\/strong> that can slow the decline of the immune system that comes with age.<\/p>\n Lutein, the same carotenoid that gives carrots their eye-nurturing superpowers, is also found in broccoli. Lutein is found in the macula of the human eye and is thought to be responsible for keeping the eyes safe from stress. Another compound antioxidant found in broccoli called zeaxanthin provides similar benefits<\/strong>.<\/p>\nIf you need some motivation, check out these 5 reasons to eat more broccoli \u2014 your body will thank you!<\/h2>\n
1. Cancer Prevention<\/h3>\n
2. Detoxification<\/h3>\n
3. Antioxidant Benefits<\/h3>\n
4. Ocular Health<\/h3>\n