Broccoli juice, anyone?

Getting kids to eat broccoli is hard enough, but getting them to drink broccoli juice? You might as well forget it--that is nearly impossible. However, though this may not be children's number one choice of drink, it definitely is the ideal concoctions for health nuts who want to keep a healthy, vigorous lifestyle.

There are many health benefits one can enjoy from broccoli juice. You see, broccoli, a plant of the cabbage family, is a great source of calcium, which is good for maintaining'or, for adults, rebuilding'the bones. Our bones usually suffer from deterioration because of a high-protein diet. This kind of diet causes our bones to lose their minerals. When that happens, osteoporosis may occur.

The calcium in the juice also helps burn fats and decreases the production of cortisol, a stress hormone related to food cravings and stomach fat.

Because it also contains Vitamin B, Vitamin C, iron, zinc, folic acid, magnesium, and beta-carotene, broccoli juice is proven to be effective in thwarting diseases such as stomach ulcers, infections, and even cancer.

Yes, cancer. Broccoli juice has selenium and fiber, which can help fight off stomach and bowel cancer. Plus, it contains isothyocyanate, a chemical that activates our natural cancer-inhibiting genes. Finally, broccoli juice is also said to be effective in shunning prostate cancer. It also and detoxifies the liver and protects it from harmful, cancer-causing elements.

Meanwhile, the glucoraphanin present in broccoli juice can be instrumental in lowering blood pressure and harmful inflammation in the heart and arteries.

What's more, recent discoveries reveal that an extract from broccoli sprouts can help protect the skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. It was found out that this extract has the potential to replace typical sunscreen lotions, which contain cancer-causing chemicals. Three-day-old broccoli sprouts are said to be rich in sulforaphane, a compound that can prompt cells to produce the what are known as 'phase 2 enzymes''one of which, glutathione, can reduce the effect of DNA-damaging compounds produced by the skin when struck by UV radiation'and tumor-suppressing proteins. Phytochemical sulforaphane also prevents painful bloating in the stomach by defending the body against H. pylori, a bacteria that causes gastrointestinal problems.

In preparing your broccoli juice, it's best to mix your main ingredient with other fruits or vegetables so that the plant's bitter taste is neutralized. You could also add in carrots and/or apple juice, and, of course, ice. Brussels, cabbage, and cauliflower are good alternatives for broccoli since they are also replete with Vitamin C and have anti-cancer properties.


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