This is one of the most interesting things I have ever heard. Broccoli helps your immune system. Yes, that is right. "Sulforaphane, a chemical in broccoli, switches on a set of antioxidant genes and enzymes in specific immune cells, which then combat the injurious effects of molecules known as free radicals that can damage cells and lead to disease."
Diseases associated with aging (cardiovascular disease, degenerative joint diseases and diabetes etc) are found to possibly be determined by the balance of antioxidant and pro-oxidant forces in the body. So, with the discovery of this chemical in Broccoli, it has been dertermined that it has an effect on the aging immune system, although it isn't known to what extent.
It was stated by Hyon-Jeen Kim (first author and research scientist at the Geffen School) that, " although there is a decline in Nrf2(protein that sulforaphane interects with) activity with aging, this pathway remains accessible to chemicals like sulforaphane that are capable of restoring some of the ravages of aging by boosting antioxidant pathways."
So just because our protien is declining doesn't mean it has to, it is still possible to stay healthy and potentially reverse side effects of aging by eating broccoli. This was a study done on old mice, so the next step is to see the effectiveness on humans.
So what do you all think? Is this a fluke or should we really start giving some love to our immune system by eating broccoli? Personally I love broccoli and have been eating it almost every night since I can remember... looks like I might be ahead of the curve here.
Source: http://www.newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/ucla-study-reports-broccoli-may...
*Please rate this to help me better and improve my blogs! Thank you! :]*
-insert hysterical laughter here-
And another point for those who already love their fruits and veggies! Hehe, I love broccoli with a passion as it is, which is the only reason I read your blog. It's nice to know my vegetarian diet is good for me and actually be able to prove it to my carnivorous father. ^_^
And that's comin' at ya' from yer local redneck hippie.
Glad it can help to prove your point! If you could, rate it so I know where it stands. Thanks :]
I love that you are reading about your own nutrition!! This is something that I have been obsessed with for quite some time. :)
Yes, broccoli is fantastic for your immune system, and your digestive system for that matter. However, a vegetarian diet isn't best for everyone. Often, you like best the foods that your body needs. So while meat may not be what one person particularly needs, I, for example, benefit greatly from a good organic steak or chicken breast, or my favorite, the king salmon I caught myself right here in my river. :) Proteins in eggs, nuts, etc. cannot always replace the proteins in meat, which my body craves. Lentels may be a great source for essential vitamins, as is wheat germ and other whole wheat products, but just like lactose is hard on some people's bodies, it isn't good for everyone. In fact, lentels and wheat germ (and lactose) are some of the worst things I can eat - they're pretty hard on my tummy. Keep reading about foods and nutrition!! But do your complete research before you berate your father for being a carnivore. Instead, encourage him to eat locally farmed animals and organic meat. And do lots of reading with a grain of salt; do what's best for YOUR body. :)
Another fun fact:
Slightly cooked tomatoes have a cancer preventative agent in them. Cool, huh?
Here's some fun books:
"Food Bible" by Judith Wills
"Eat Right for Your Blood Type" by Peter J. D'Adamo
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/kariskoett
"All things appear and disappear because of the concurrence of causes and conditions. Nothing ever exists entirely alone; everything is in relation to everything else."
-Buddha
Glad you appreciate my blog as well as nutrition! I feel like it is something is overlooked and we really need to pay more attention. Plus, this could be a huge step towards preventing fatal diseases in aging humans, maybe even animals for the people willing to pay for it. :]
I've never really craved nor liked meat. And I wasn't berating my dad for being a carnivore...I was just making a point that when it comes to food, we're opposites. ^_^
And actually, I live on a beef farm...and we have chickens...
So my family gets to raise their own organic beef and poultry. I feel bad for the animals, but I know it's healthier than the store-bought stuff, and altogether safer for my family.
And that's comin' at ya' from yer local redneck hippie.
I didn't mean to sound like I was attacking you. It's good to understand that every body has different dietary needs. That's great that your family is able to gauge what your animals eat; it's definitely so much better for your body. And don't get too attached to the animals. I understand, and I'm all for animal rights, but if we weren't farming and eating them, they'd get eaten by some other carnivore. It's their lot in life. Animals have pretty simplistic purposes, and although they have personalities (I'm a total animal lover), it's okay to use them for our purposes. It's okay to ride horses, run sled dogs, drive oxen, and to pack llamas. And it's okay to eat cows and birds and fish. Etc. It's also okay to not eat them and to enjoy being a vegetarian. Secretly, I wish I could do it. And truthfully, I don't eat very much meat, but when my friends invite me over to help butcher their pig and then grills me a fresh steak, or when I see my salmon vacuum sealed in my freezer, or when someone cooks me up a nice brautwurst or chicken breast, I just can't say no.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/kariskoett
"All things appear and disappear because of the concurrence of causes and conditions. Nothing ever exists entirely alone; everything is in relation to everything else."
-Buddha
I know you were being serious, but that last sentence made me chuckle, because I tried to be a vegetarian once since I love animals sooo much but I truly couldn't resist my dads bbq or my moms chicken. I ruined it for my friend too because I asked her to go to In'n'Out with me and she said okay because she was just going to get fries, but she ended up with a burger. If you have been to In'n'Out you know why she gave in!
You didn't sound like you were attacking anyone. Honestly. ^_^
Not getting attached to the animals is easier said than done...especially when you get to bottle-feed a calf every once in a while. But I will admit...there's this one cow that my dad refuses to butcher...that I wish he would. Or at least sell. The thing hates me with a passion, and i don't know why. :idk:
And that's comin' at ya' from yer local redneck hippie.
Maybe cows know more than we realize... haha. Kidding but really, I always find it funny when animals pick and choose who they like!
Après la pluie le beau temps. ♥
I'm telling you, the animals are more like we are than we like to think. Honestly, the chickens out there may be stupid, but they act just like the people I go to school with...
You've got the bullies, the brave victims, the not-so-brave victims, those who pretend to be victims, those who don't care, those who care too much, LOADS of drama...and I've counted at least three cliques...
>.>
And that's comin' at ya' from yer local redneck hippie.
Haha! So true. What about the girls that think they are the best thing ever? Hmm cats?
Haha.
Après la pluie le beau temps. ♥
Check out my latest blog! :]
No doubt!
We used to pick out the horses in the herd, defining them by who they would be if they were in high school. The jocks, the rebels, the cheerleaders, the preps, the class clown, the most popular, etc. And they are totally cliqueish - my favorite was when the smallest Shetland and our biggest horse, 17.3 hands, were best friends. You've got the loners, and of course the lovers. They're all there...
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/kariskoett
"All things appear and disappear because of the concurrence of causes and conditions. Nothing ever exists entirely alone; everything is in relation to everything else."
-Buddha
That is so funny! That must've been fun.
Après la pluie le beau temps. ♥
Check out my latest blog! :]
I didn't mean to sound like I was attacking you. It's good to understand that every body has different dietary needs. That's great that your family is able to gauge what your animals eat; it's definitely so much better for your body. And don't get too attached to the animals. I understand, and I'm all for animal rights, but if we weren't farming and eating them, they'd get eaten by some other carnivore. It's their lot in life. Animals have pretty simplistic purposes, and although they have personalities (I'm a total animal lover), it's okay to use them for our purposes. It's okay to ride horses, run sled dogs, drive oxen, and to pack llamas. And it's okay to eat cows and birds and fish. Etc. It's also okay to not eat them and to enjoy being a vegetarian. Secretly, I wish I could do it. And truthfully, I don't eat very much meat, but when my friends invite me over to help butcher their pig and then grills me a fresh steak, or when I see my salmon vacuum sealed in my freezer, or when someone cooks me up a nice brautwurst or chicken breast, I just can't say no.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/kariskoett
"All things appear and disappear because of the concurrence of causes and conditions. Nothing ever exists entirely alone; everything is in relation to everything else."
-Buddha
Thanks for keeping me updated with the latest health news! I think we should take this seriously, and even more seriously, keep trying to get the right servings of vegetables each day, whether its tomatoes or carrots. they're all good for you.
You're welcome! I believe health is essential in becoming healthy mentally and physically in our day to day lives. :]