"Broccoli" the superfood!

We all know how good "broccoli" is for us because our mothers told us so.

But . . . did you know . . . Broccoli is a good source of fiber and protein, and it contains iron, potassium, calcium selenium and magnesium. It also contains vitamins A, C, E, K and a good array of B vitamins including folic acid. Plus minerals such as copper and zinc. We spoken of their importance in previous Health tips.

Broccoli is low in calories but high in antioxidants that support our health. It helps in maintaining healthy skin and is an "anti-inflammatory" powerhouse. Its high levels of a mineral called "sulfur" . . . promote "hair growth" and its fatty acids . . . help regulate blood pressure and reduce bad cholesterol.

And guess what? . . .

Eating "broccoli" before bed sounds like a silly idea . . . but it actually contains "tryptophan" which is a sleep-friendly food.

Okay . . . so yesterday we spoke about stomach upset . . . Well, "broccoli" also aids in digestion by helping to keep the stomach lining healthy. The "sulforaphane" in broccoli helps keep the "bad" bacteria we spoke of yesterday from becoming overgrown or clinging too strongly to the stomach wall.

Remember yesterday we spoke about if the acid level in the stomach isn't in its 1.5 to 3.5 natural range . . . it allows "bad" bacteria to grow and cause anything from acid reflux to cancer.

You see . . . the "sulforaphane" in broccoli has antibacterial, antiviral and anticancer properties and is excellent for calming the fire in the stomach, so the worst case scenarios doesn't happen.

"Sulforaphane" has also been known to treat "autism", protect the skin against sun damage, protect against brain damage, improve constipation and aid with Barrett esophagus, a precancerous condition associated with chronic esophageal reflux.

I know on a personal level . . . "Sulforaphane" kills human leukemia cells and that high daily dietary cruciferous intake decreases the risk of lymphoma.

So when's the best time to eat "broccoli"?