Spreading the Word for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is usually about thinking pink, but this year we’ve got our minds set on being green. Leafy green, that is.
It’s probably not surprising that, apart from being a delicious addition to any meal, broccoli has a number of health benefits. There’s a good chance you’ve been hearing that your whole life. What you may be shocked to learn is this cruciferous cabbage has recently been linked to cancer prevention. So, this October, let’s dive in and learn how broccoli can assist in breast cancer prevention.
History of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast cancer is one of the largest health concerns for women in the United States. In fact, 1 out of 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. This is a disease that affects everyone. Not only can breast cancer infect the women in your life, but the chances are also smaller, and it is not impossible for men to be diagnosed with breast cancer.
At this moment, there is no guaranteed cure but a combination of proper medical care, nutrition, physical well-being, and early diagnosis can increase the chances of survival. That’s the goal of organizations like Susan G. Komen for the Cure and annual events like Breast Cancer Awareness Month: providing people with the knowledge and tools to increase breast cancer survival rates.
Preventing Breast Cancer with Broccoli
So, how does broccoli help prevent breast cancer? We know from our parents (“You can’t leave the table until you finish all your broccoli!”) broccoli comes complete with a number of nutritious benefits. Broccoli is loaded with vitamin C, which is important for immune function and skin health. Folate is another nutrient plentiful in broccoli that promotes normal tissue growth and cell function.
It’s plain to see how broccoli can help make a huge difference in your bodily health. But there’s another reason researchers have learned that increasing your broccoli intake can help prevent breast cancer: a plant compound known as sulforaphane. “With broccoli, specifically, there is a high amount of phytochemical called sulforaphane, which is a cancer-fighting plant compound that has been linked to reducing the risks of prostate cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, and oral cancers,” explains Dr. Vijaya Surampudi, assistant professor of medicine at UCLA Health. Although we can’t completely control illnesses and diseases from happening, we can reduce the risk.
We love singing the praises of our favorite veggie, but broccoli is far from the only health star at the farm. Sulforaphane is also found in kale, cabbage, garden cress, and cauliflower.
Adding Broccoli to your Diet
Now that you’re aware of how broccoli can reduce the risk of breast cancer, you may be thinking of ways to incorporate more broccoli into your diet. Sure, you could cook up a pot of steamed broccoli, however, there are plenty of different inventive ways to get the nutrition your body needs. Finishing your broccoli doesn’t need to be a chore!
A heaping bowl of broccoli cheddar mac and cheese can be as comforting as a warm hug. Step outside your comfort zone with broccoli and cheese chicken egg rolls. Or, if you’re really looking to maximize your sulforaphane intake, try superpowered broccoli and cauliflower soup. Find all these recipes and more from our family to yours on our website.
Staying Healthy with Broccoli from Smith’s Farm
Keep your family well-fed with fresh, delicious, and sustainably grown broccoli at Smith’s Farm! Choose from your preference for greens including domestic broccoli crowns, shortcut crowns, Asian crowns, and florets. Plus, in states like Florida, Georgia, Maine, North Carolina, California, and Arizona, Smith’s Farm can deliver broccoli straight to your front door.
Visit our website to learn more about our fresh produce and delivery services.
