My Top 3 Radical Longevity Foods to Expand Your Lifespan
Broccoli needs to be high on your list of healthy veggies if you care to have better eyesight, lower your risk of heart disease and cancer, and renew the youthful glow of your skin. High in antioxidants, sulfur and vitamin C, broccoli is an excellent detoxifier. It also contains omega 3s, amino acids and folate to keep your skin radiant. Rich in beta-carotene, phosphorus, zeaxanthin and B vitamins, broccoli is excellent for protecting your eyes from age-related diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts.
If that’s not enough to send you into the kitchen to steam some broccoli for dinner, how about its ability to help regulate blood pressure? It’s high in chromium which helps insulin to function properly by regulating blood sugar and helping to keep blood pressure in check. Broccoli also can’t be beat for its immune system strengthening minerals such as selenium, zinc, phosphorus and copper. And, did you know that broccoli is an excellent source of calcium? It provides 47 milligrams per 100 grams of calcium to help prevent osteoporosis or weakening of the bones and teeth.
One of my favorite ways to take advantage of the many benefits of broccoli is in a delicious broccoli slaw. I just buy a bag of organic broccoli/carrot slaw, toss in ½ cup safflower mayo, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon curry powder, ¼ teaspoon cumin, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, a little sea salt and mix together. Then pop in ½ cup pistachios or walnuts. If you have time you can also peel and shred fresh broccoli stalks or cut them into matchsticks to make your slaw.
And, don’t forget fresh broccoli sprouts! They contain the highest known source of vital phytonutrients, indole-3-carbinol and sulforaphane, which aid the liver in its ability to process and neutralize toxins. Sulforaphane acts like a “signaling molecule” to communicate with other cells. With the ability to affect over two thousand genes, activating numerous defense mechanisms and neutralizing free radicals, sulforaphane is one potent toxicity zapper. Toss a cupful a day onto your salads or tuck them into a veggie wrap.