Who knew broccoli had such benefits?

Introduction: Broccoli is a recognized anti-cancer superstar, but how can it be cooked to maximize its anti-cancer effects? According to a report by the British Daily Mail on November 11, scientists from the University of Illinois have found that the best way to cook broccoli is to steam it for 5 minutes. When the broccoli turns a bright green, its anti-cancer properties are at their peak.

Shrimp Stir-fry with Broccoli

Researchers point out that broccoli is an excellent food source of the natural anti-cancer compound sulforaphane, and its myrosinase enzyme is crucial for the anti-cancer effects of sulforaphane. Once the myrosinase is destroyed, sulforaphane will not be effective. The study found that compared to other cooking methods, steaming broccoli for about 5 minutes best preserves the myrosinase, making the resulting broccoli more potent in its anti-cancer properties.

Oyster Sauce Broccoli Apple Tree

In this regard, Cuihua Qi, a council member of the Shandong Nutrition Society, vice-chairman of the Jinan Nutrition Society, and an associate professor of nutrition at Jinan University, stated that steaming does indeed retain more nutrients and anti-cancer substances, and after steaming, broccoli can be mixed with seasonings. Qi also suggested that when cooking broccoli, it is better to snip rather than cut. A whole head of broccoli has many florets, which are composed of many small flowers. If you cut it directly on a cutting board, many of these small flowers will fall off, resulting in loss.

Broccoli Stir-fried with Wood Ear Mushrooms

It is recommended to rinse the broccoli and then use scissors to snip off the florets at their base, or break them off by hand, in order to get complete florets. Additionally, other studies have found that eating broccoli together with tomatoes can enhance its anti-cancer effects.

Bacon Broccoli