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Brassica oleracea or commonly known as broccoli. It was called the
king of the cruciferous family where cabbage and cauliflower belong.
Broccoli boosts a delicious flavor, dozens of nutrition and packed
with health benefits. It is loaded with special and unique disease
fighters.

Nutrients and Health Benefits in Broccoli:

*Anti-oxidants. Broccoli contains a variety of anti-oxidants, this
synergy is very good in fighting cancer. According to research, it
lowered the risk of prostate, colon, breast, bladder and cervical
cancer.

Vitamin C. Broccoli is a concentrated source of anti-oxidants like
Vitamin C along with flavonoids, which provide longer support of
oxygen metabolism in the body.

Sulforaphane. Another strong anti-oxidant called sulforaphane in
broccoli sprouts, has a strong impact on the detoxification system of
the body.

Sulforaphane. It helps stimulate production of detoxification enzymes
that may reduce tumor size.

Sulforaphane. It boosts the detoxification abilities of the skin. It
helps repair skin damages brought by over exposure to the sun.

The anti-inflammatory property of sulforaphane, may prevent damage to
the blood vessels. It may lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Sulforaphane and Dietary Fiber. The intestines are supported and
regulated by dietary fiber, therefore it fights constipation and
indigestion. The sulforaphane helps protect the stomach lining, it may
help prevent peptic ulcer, gastritis and esophagitis.

There are other anti-oxidants like Vitamin E, manganese, zinc,
beta-carotene, glutathione, lutein, glucarate, indoles. Broccoli is a
real source of concentrated anti-oxidants.

May prevent birth defect. Anti-oxidant compounds help protect sperm to
prevent genetic damage and birth defect.

Eye Disorder. The anti-oxidant level is a good defense against eye diseases.

*Glucosinolates. It is an anti-estrogenic compound that may help in
the excretion of excess estrogen, associated to breast cancer.
Sulforaphane and glucosinolates. They help regulate detox activity in
the body.

*Another anti-cancer compound called indole-3-carbinol, has been shown
to fight breast and prostate cancer.

*Cholesterol Lowering Ability. Broccoli may lower cholesterol and
since it is rich in B Vitamins as well, it can support cardiovascular
health.

*Metabolism of Vitamin D. Broccoli is a good source of Vitamins A and
K. Their strong combination helps keep Vitamin D metabolism in proper
balance.

*Bone Building. Broccoli provides better calcium than cow's milk, thus
it helps build stronger bones.

Broccoli is as well good source of Vitamin E, phosphorus, magnesium
and potassium.

Selection of Fresh Broccoli:

Color. Fresh broccoli is dark green, sage, purple green with no yellowing.

Stalks and stems. They should be firm and no slimy spots.

Floret Clusters. They should be compact, not bruised.

Storage. Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Do not wash
before storing as it may cause spoilage.

Consumption:

Raw juice provides the most nutrition. It can be combined with fresh
carrot or apple juice for better taste.

Steamed. Broccoli cooked by steaming provides much of its
cholesterol-lowering ability, compared from eating raw broccoli.

Steamed or Quick Stir-fried Cooking. The broccoli's anti-oxidant
compounds may be preserved well.

Celery, with scientific name Apium graveolens, has powerful and
amazing health benefits. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals.
All parts of celery are edible. It is used in different cuisines. And
unlike other vegetables, it can keep its nutrients during cooking. If
the celery juice is combined to other powerful juices, it may help
treat other conditions.

Nutrients in Celery:

Celery is a rich source of folio acid, potassium, calcium, iron,
sodium, magnesium, phosphorus and plenty of essential amino acids.

The leaves are a good source of Vitamin A.

The stem has high content of Vitamin B1, B2, B6 and Vitamin C.

It is a good source of fiber.

Health Benefits:

Anti-Cancer. The celery is known to have anti-cancer compounds. The
Coumarins may help damage free radical cells, thus celery may be
effective for cancer prevention. The Acetylenics may stop tumor cells
from growing. And Phenolic acids may as well block the growth of
tumor.

Diuretic. Celery has diuretic compounds that helps the body get rid of
excess fluids. Celery juice contains sodium and potassium that helps
stimulate urine production. The seed helps improve the quality and
quantity of urine.

Celery helps cure Urinary Tract Infection.

Its diuretic compounds help treat bladder infection.

Its diuretic effect may prevent kidney stones formation while it
assists in breaking and eliminating urinary and gall bladder stones.

Cholesterol. Celery juice is said to be effective in lowering total
cholesterol and bad cholesterol (LDL).

Lower Blood Pressure. The coumarin compound in celery juice helps
relax the muscles around the arteries that helps blood to flow
normally.

Inflammation. Celery has analgesic and anti-inflammatory compounds
that helps relieve inflammation like gout, arthritis, osteoarthritis,
bronchitis and asthma.

Nervous System:

Weight Loss. Celery contains hormones that soothes the central nervous
system that makes losing weight easier. Celery juice will lessen
cravings for sweets. It has no  calories and it contains fiber that is
good for weight loss.

Sleep Disorder. The organic alkaline mineral and magnesium in celery
juice helps calm the nervous system, that is good for insomniacs and
may heal other sleep disorders.

Stomach. Celery can provide special benefits to the stomach. According
to studies, it may decrease the risk of stomach cancer.

Constipation. Due to its natural laxative effect it helps relieve
constipation. Celery juice is a good source of fiber, that boosts
bowel movement.

Halitosis. Celery helps cleanse bacteria caused by improper brushing
and left food particles, from the back of the tongue.

Fungal Infection. Celery contains fungicides that may help in treating
fungal infection.

Acidity. The celery has high sodium content at is balanced by the high
level of potassium. The juice neutralizes acidity in the body.

Celery juice is a good after workout drink because it replaces lost
electrolytes. And its rich minerals rehydrates the body.

A glass of celery juice a day can be added to a weight loss diet.

For treating gout, you may drink a glass of celery juice daily, or
munch a stalk instead.

To cure indigestion, celery soup or salad is good.

To reduce bad breath, munch a stalk daily.

For Consumption:

Choose fresh green celery. The ribs should be firm and crunchy.

Raw celery can be used for salad. It can be chopped and added to other
salad vegetables. It can be served steamed. It can be an addition to
soup or vegetable stir-fries. And it can be made as juice.

Bitter melon has been used as a traditional medicine because of its
therapeutic properties. It is commonly used in Asia and Africa as
treatment for fever, burns, dysentery and skin problems. It is known
to treat gastrointestinal diseases.

It is as well said to treat painful menstruation. But since it can
bring menses, it may decrease fertility, it is an abortifacient, and
is used for birth control.

Some of bitter melon's purported health benefits are treatment for
diabetes and viral infection, and may prevent cancer.

Nutrients and Health Benefits of Bitter Melon

Pods are rich in phytonutrients like dietary fiber, antioxidants,
vitamins and minerals. Since it's a source of dietary fiber, therefore
it maybe helpful in relieving indigestion and constipation problems,
as it was used in traditional medicine.

The phytonutrient, polypeptide-P, which is a plant insulin, along with
charantin, which is a hypoglycemic agent, are responsible in reducing
blood sugar levels, that is helpful for the treatment of Type 2
diabetes.

Pods are a good source of folate. Folate or folic acid may boost red
blood cell development. It may help prevent cancer.

Bitter melon is a good source of:

Vitamin C, which is a natural antioxidant.

Vitamin B3 (niacin), Vitamin B5 (panthotenic acid), Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

Minerals like iron, potassium, zinc, magnesium and manganese.

Flavonoids and Vitamin A compound that may act against aging and cancer.

According to study, there are two anticancer compounds extracted from
the seed and fruit that may cause self-destruction in leukemia. It may
kill and prevent breast cancer cells from growing.

According to laboratory tests, there are compounds in bitter melon
that may be effective in treating HIV infection.

Cautions:

Bitter melon may contain alkaloid which may be intolerable to some people.

The seeds may contain vicine, that may trigger symptoms of favism.

Fruit is not advisable for consumption to pregnant women.

It is reported that the red arils of the seeds can be toxic to children.

It is not recommended be  consumed in excessive amount, because it may
be toxic at an extreme large quantity.

Toxicity Symptoms. It may include excessive salivation, vomiting,
nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, facial redness, and dimness of vision.

Precaution. If bitter melon is used to control diabetes, consult your
doctor regarding the dosage you need to take.

Side Effects:

If bitter melon is taken to lower blood sugar level, at the same time
with a medication for the same purpose, it may cause complications.

If it is taken for an extended period of time for diabetes control, it
may increase the risk of developing liver inflammation.