“Eat your veggies!” A phrase that was hopefully said often by your parents, doctors, teachers, etc., when you were growing up. This was some of the best advice you would hear! ! As Dr. Surampudi, a professor at UCLA, says, “It may seem silly, but the data is there, and it shows. A balanced diet with vegetables can change your health tremendously. It works more than people realize, but the proof is in the data.” I couldn’t agree more—especially for women healing from cancer and living a healthy breast life!

In summary, here’s why: Cruciferous vegetables control cancer’s “on and off” switches of breast cancer. This 2021 study published in Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry also points out: “Current preclinical evidence strongly supports the role of sulforaphane {a powerful phytochemical found in cruciferous vegetables} and other ITCs as potential therapeutic agents for breast cancer, either as an adjunct therapy or combined therapy with current anti-breast cancer drugs, with sulforaphane displaying the greatest potential.” 

Cruciferous vegetables are nature’s detoxifiers

Many of the chemicals in our macro and micro environment can overwhelm and eventually block our detoxification pathways. Thankfully mother nature has supplied us with the most effective natural detoxifiers on the planet! Cruciferous vegetables optimize our Phase 2 detoxication system in the liver. This helps neutralize the effects of foreign chemicals in our DNA. 

Detox Phases 1 and 2

Below is a brief summary of how your body detoxes. It is one of the reasons why just taking DIM doesn’t work in the long run because it may lead to your estrogen dominance symptoms getting even worse.

DIM upregulates Phase 1 liver detoxification. However, your liver also has a Phase 2 detoxification process that DIM doesn’t touch. Both phases need to run smoothly for the toxins to eventually get evacuated through your colon and kidneys (urine and bowel movements).

In simple – but gross terms – think of your toilet and pipes. DIM unclogs the “toilet bowl,” and Sulforaphane (Brocco Power and cruciferous vegetables) unclogs the pipes that drain out the toilet bowl. You need them both to be working, or else it will be a stinky situation! Like in your bathroom, you may not see the pipes draining out your toilet, but you know when they are not working. The same goes for your body. You may not see it, but it is going to get nasty if not junk isn’t flushing out properly. I created the 7 Essentials System® Hormone Clearing Bundle to ensure your body can clear out “dirty” estrogens and balance your hormones.

Broccoli: A cancer-fighting superhero

Broccoli is one of the most important cruciferous vegetables for destroying cancer. I could write a novel about how critical broccoli should be to your daily diet and taking Brocco Power (one capsule is equal to 500 grams of fresh broccoli)—but I’ll summarize these essential points.

Broccoli’s benefits:

• Sulforaphane: a cancer-fighting plant compound that reduces the risk of breast cancer
• Glucosinolates: inhibits cancer enzymes and protects against inflammatory diseases
• Carotenoids: antioxidants that protect you from diseases and improve your immune system
• Vitamin C: protects your cells against damage from free radicals
• Dietary fiber: lowers cholesterol levels and promotes healthy bowel movements 
• Folate: promotes strong cell growth and function
• Flavonols: improves blood flow, prevent blood clots, and keep cells healthy

Regarding breast cancer, higher consumption of cruciferous vegetables is associated with a lower risk of more aggressive tumors, including ER-negative, HER2-enriched, and basal-like tumors. These veggies can also prevent breast cancer from spreading to your lungs. Lastly, broccoli can activate over 200 gene-related cellular defense mechanisms, which inhibit the growth of cancer cells and prevent cancer recurrence. 

Not all superheroes wear capes. Sometimes they are dressed as little green trees! 

Conventional breast cancer treatments

Eating cruciferous vegetables can reduce miserable menopausal symptoms caused by chemo and radiation. Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found: “Glucosinolates in cruciferous vegetable influence levels of metabolizing enzymes that can modulate inflammation and levels of estrogen, possibly attenuating treatment-related symptoms.” Please review the full article here.

An almost complete list of cruciferous vegetables

• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Brussels sprouts
• Cauliflower
• Bok choy
• Radish
• Turnip
• Watercress
• Kale
• Wasabi
• Arugula
• White and black mustard
• Choy sum
• Maca
• Land Cress
• Rapini
• Rapeseed

My favorite ways to consume cruciferous vegetables

It is best to eat these veggies raw or lightly steamed. Over-cooking can destroy powerful anti-cancer nutrients.

Juicing and smoothies: Adding cruciferous veggies to juices and smoothies is a yummy and delightful way to consume them. Your kids won’t even know you snuck them in! 

Microgreens/sprouts: Broccoli sprouts and other cruciferous sprouts provide you with a cancer-crushing concentration of sulforaphane 20-50 times more than the mature vegetable! The best things really do come in small packages!

Brocco Power: For those of you who don’t love eating loads of broccoli and rather just take a supplement, Brocco Power is your superhero! One capsule equals 500 grams of fresh broccoli or 100 grams of broccoli sprouts! I take 2 capsules per day as part of my maintenance program. If you are on an active healing journey, 4-6 capsules per day may be beneficial. 

Cruciferous Vegetable Recipes

Eating your veggies can actually be a delightful experience! I promise—these recipes are divine!

• An energizing and flavorful salad: The Cruciferous Crunch Salad
• A warm, hearty stir fry: The Cancer-Fight Frys option 1 and option 2
• The superfood side dish: Broccolini and Mushrooms
• Eat like a Greek superhero: Greek Cauliflower Chick Bowl

Private Coaching 

A healthy breast journey never has to be lonely, confusing, or daunting. Working with a Private Breast Cancer Conqueror Coach can help you navigate your specific journey and create customized protocols that are realistic to follow. You never have to fear breast cancer again!