Broccoli To The Rescue!

Johns Hopkins scientists have discovered that broccoli, which contains a unique chemical called sulforaphane (fights malignant cells in the body), also has the ability to detoxify the body of cancer-causing chemicals before they get a chance to promote cancer.

In this 2014 twelve-week study published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research, scientists chose 291 participants living in an area of China that has substantial air pollution. They first assessed the degree of toxicity found in the participant’s urine, and then gave some participants a beverage made with broccoli sprouts. They found that the people who drank the broccoli beverage got rid of substantially higher levels of environmental pollutants than those who did not have the broccoli beverage. (Here’s a tip: You can juice broccoli sprouts or add them to your green smoothie.)

Outdoor air pollution is thought to cause almost 4 million early deaths a year. Most people have been exposed to some degree of air pollution from both outside and inside the home. Many new homes with all the outgassing of chemicals have more toxins that outdoor air. Beyond the fact that environmental toxins can induce lung cancer, these pollutants may also lead to cardiopulmonary diseases., stroke, and chronic lung disease. This is an excellent reason to include more broccoli in your diet. 

Broccoli Pomegranate Detox Salad 

• 1 pound broccoli (2 small heads)
• 1½ pound carrots, peeled
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• ½ cup pumpkin seeds, toasted

Avocado Dressing:

• 2 ripe avocados
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 Teaspoons sea salt

Instructions

• Chop the broccoli heads and peel the stems of the broccoli and break into small pieces. Place in a food processor fitted with a chopping blade and pulse until small pieces remain. Set aside in a big bowl.
• Next, using the grater attachment, grate the carrots. Set aside with the broccoli. Add the pomegranate seeds and toasted pumpkin seeds and toss together.
• Rinse the food processor bowl place back on the base with the chopping blade to make the dressing. Peel the avocados and remove the pit. Place all ingredients in the food processor and blend until smooth. Toss dressing with the salad and serve.

You may refrigerate for a few hours before serving.