Broccoli contains a high concentration of sulforaphane, a compound which is found in cruciferous vegetables (kale, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, radish) and has strong anti-cancer properties. Sulforaphane is produced when the enzyme myrosinase reacts with glucoraphanin - this reaction usually occurs when the two compounds mix, which occurs when the plant is being chewed.
Therefore, due to its known cancer-preventing properties, individuals
who have a high risk of cancer, especially prostate or colon cancer,
should increase their consumption of broccoli. However, it's not as
simple as this - it's not only about what you eat, but also how you eat
it.
The way you cook your broccoli can drastically decrease the health benefits that it yields. For example, boiling or microwaving broccoli will destroy the myrosinase enzymes, which in turn will inhibit the production of sulforaphane. Therefore, the goal is to cook broccoli in such a way that it is able to retain all of its health benefits.
Usually, when making creamy broccoli soup, the majority of the myrosinase enzymes are lost during the simmering process. Therefore, this time, to counter that, after the broccoli has been lightly steamed for 3-5 minutes, set aside the leafy floret, and save it for the last step - most of the myrosinase enzymes are found in the leafy buds. The following creamy broccoli soup recipe will leave your mouth watering while giving you a huge nutrient boost!
Ingredients:
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 medium stalks celery, finely chopped
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 cups fresh broccoli, including stems, set aside florets after steaming
2½ cups vegetable broth
1 cup unsweetened almond (or coconut) milk—optional, if not used then increase broth to 3½ cups
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup feta cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place the oil in a large pot and heat over a medium heat. Sauté the celery and onion for 4 minutes, until softened.
2. Add the potatoes and broccoli stems and sauté for 2 more minutes.
3. Add the chicken broth and almond milk, bring to the boil.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. When simmered and the vegetables are tender, pour the mixture into a blender and puree until smooth.
7. Serve and garnish with an abundance of feta cheese and broccoli florets - enabling the sulforaphane producing reaction.