Last Friday the British Heart Foundation shared the findings of research it had funded at Imperial College London.
The research shows that treating high risk parts of arteries with the natural compound "sulforaphane" reduced inflammation by ’switching on’ a protein essential to protecting arteries from clogging. And where does this compound naturally occur?
Brassicas.
Cruciferous vegetables.
That’s broccoli, cabbage, kale, Brussels, cauliflower, pak choi and rocket.
The next steps for this research group will include testing whether simply eating broccoli, or other vegetables in this ‘family’, has the same protective effect as directly treating arteries with this compound. But it dpes seem that the group may have found out why it is that "5 a day" and especially eating green and leafy veggies is good for the heart.
And now I’m going to be a big hippy at the risk of you all relegating me to the compost heap … Guess what colour is associated with the heart chakra …
Yep. GREEN!
Anyway, that aside – I wanted to remind you happy healthy ooffers that UK calabrese broccoli is at its best until the end of October, so eat up (and remember, better raw or steamed than boiled into limpness!).
After that, you can get your hands on UK Tenderstem broccoli until the end of December, and on Purple Sprouting Broccoli from late January or early February.
Here are some recipes to help you love your precious hearts:
Broccoli and Kale Stir Fry
Broccoli and Peanut Butter Soup
Tenderstem Broccoli with Melting Goats Cheese
Cracked Bulgar Wheat with Broccoli & Cream Cheese Sauce
So do you think you’ll be eating any more leafy greens than you already do?
Categories: food, recipes, seasonal eating
