Broccoli and the other cruciforms that make "heads" like Brussels sprouts, cabbage, rapini, cauliflower and turnips, help prevent cancer.
They contain compounds that help eliminate carcinogens from the body.
They contain glucosinolates that are converted to isothiocyanates (ICTs) that enhance the function of normal tumor suppressor genes. See http://drwinsett.blogspot.com/2012/02/have-some-broccoli.html.
Now another mechanism has been found. We saw earlier this week that DNA methylation changed with exercise and researchers at the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University have found that sulforaphane (a form of ICT) helps maintain the normal DNA methylation required for normal cell growth. In cancer cells this methylation has been altered. A nice review of this research can be seen at http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/phytochemicals/isothio/#summary.
These compounds can be inactivated by cooking. Boiling and even steaming in water can decrease the effective amounts by 50%. If, you don't like it raw, then cook minimally for the maximum benefit. Microwaves also diminish the effective concentrations. The highest concentrations are in the youngest and freshest (concentrations begin to drop 3 days after picking) plants. For a review of preparing go to http://www.aicr.org/foods-that-fight-cancer/broccoli-cruciferous.html.
I need to go plant some broccoli to pick for dinner this summer!
Together we can prevent 75,000 breast cancer cases each year!
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