Eat More Broccoli

A recent research publication in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry once again has showed that consuming cruciferous vegetables (in this case broccoli) is superior to ingesting a synthetic vitamin supplement. Isolated vitamin supplements lack all of the naturally occurring minerals, phytonutrients, and other elements that are only found in whole foods. 

Since these veggies are such a great source of phytonutrients that work together in synergy, increased consumption of them can reduce your risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.

"One characteristic that sets cruciferous vegetables apart from other vegetables is their high glucosinolate content. Glucosinolate hydrolysis products could help prevent cancer by enhancing the elimination of carcinogens before they can damage DNA, or by altering cell-signaling pathways in ways that help prevent normal cells from being transformed into cancerous cells."

-Linus Pauling Institute (Micronutrient Research for Optimum Health)

It constantly amazes me how everything we eat affects our bodies on the cellular level. The Linus Pauling Institute has a great website that is always up to date with its information about the health benefits of consuming cruciferous veggies.

How many servings of these cruciferous veggies have you had this week?

Broccoli, Brussels Sprout, Cabbage, Collard Greens, Kale, Horseradish, Rutabaga, Turnip, Chinese Cabbage, Cauliflower, Broccoli Rabe, Daikon, Bok Choy, Radish, Kohlrabi 

If you're like most Americans...probably not enough!!

If you have a hard time consistently getting 9-13 servings of fruits and veggies in your diet EVERY DAY, you should consider adding Juice Plus to your diet! Juice Plus is whole food based nutrition, including juice powder concentrates from 17 different fruits, vegetables and grains. It has a nutrition label (not a supplement label), and has been reviewed by experts in FDA labeling laws and they concluded that it is appropriately labeled as a food product, not a supplement. It's a safe, convenient, and a simple way to add the nutrition from fruits and veggies into your diet every day! Heres to your health!