Camila Vitorino shares two guaranteed methods to make broccoli "super anti-cancer" by maximizing its sulforaphane content. Sulforaphane is a substance that has been shown to have anti-cancer properties.
Method 1: Cutting and waiting - To activate the enzyme myrosinase, which transforms glucoraphanin into sulforaphane, cut the broccoli into small pieces, increasing the contact surface with air. Then, wait at least 40 minutes to allow the myrosinase to act before cooking.
Method 2: Adding mustard seed - For those who don't have time to wait, scientists have discovered that adding a small amount of powdered mustard seed to broccoli can enhance sulforaphane production. This method works even with frozen broccoli, which doesn't respond to the first method due to pre-cooking.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Broccoli has a substance called sulforaphane that is widely used by the scientific community.
2. Sulforaphane is not carcinogenic and has been found to kill cancer cells in some studies.
3. Broccoli juice contains sulforaphane.
4. The enzyme myrosinase is responsible for transforming a substance in broccoli into sulforaphane.
5. Myrosinase is activated by contact with air.
6. Cutting broccoli increases the contact surface, which activates myrosinase and transforms the substance into sulforaphane.
7. Steaming broccoli is a better way to cook it than boiling, as it helps retain minerals and vitamins.
8. Myrosinase is sensitive to heat and is destroyed after four minutes of cooking.
9. Waiting for at least 40 minutes after cutting broccoli allows myrosinase to transform the substance into sulforaphane.
10. Sulforaphane is resistant to heat and can survive cooking.
11. Adding mustard seeds to broccoli can enhance the production of sulforaphane.
12. Frozen broccoli is usually pre-cooked and therefore does not benefit from waiting after cutting.
13. The second method of adding mustard seeds can still work for frozen broccoli.