Cancer Fighting “Super Broccoli” in UK Markets

Broccoli is a vegetable that belongs to the same cruciferous family as the cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts. Abundantly endowed with Vitamin C, anti-oxidants, and fiber, broccoli is known to have several health benefits and is classified as one among the world's top ten superfoods!

Several studies have shown that broccoli-rich diet is beneficial to lower the risks from prostrate and bowel cancers. It also helps to prevent heart- related problems and stroke.

Broccoli contains the compound glucoraphanin, which is a phytonutrient that boosts the level of antioxidant enzymes in our bodies. Glucoraphanin can be processed into sulphoraphane, an anti-cancer element.

Keeping all these qualities in mind a "super broccoli" "Beneforte" was developed using conventional methods at the Food Research and John Innes Centre in Norwich, UK. The researchers of the center went on an expedition to find better varieties of this nutrient-laden vegetable. South Italy came across a wild type of broccoli that was capable of producing greater levels of glucoraphanin than the traditional variety.

The wild variety was then cross - pollinated with the commercially available variety. After a series of breeding and cycles of natural selection, one variety became the parent of what we now know as "beneforte".

This super veggie is reported to have three times more of glucoraphanin in comparison to the normal variety but the amazing part is that it has retained the same taste of the traditional broccoli.

Broccoli was always considered a great health food but this new research has given added insights into its health benefits.

The new variety of broccoli "beneforte" is now available at the Mark & Spencer stores in the UK. It will be available in other UK stores next year!

Broccoli must be boiled for about two to three minutes only. Over cooking kills the valuable nutrients and antioxdants in this amazing vegetable, hence, a gentle steaming will ensure that it retains all its glory!

Source: Medindia