New Survey Shows Americans Are Cooking the Health Out of Broccoli

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Brassica Protection Products

Apr 21, 2015, 10:00 ET


Baltimore, Maryland (PRWEB) April 21, 2015 -- Approximately 75 million Americans live in areas with unhealthy air, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). On top of this, consuming alcohol and exposure to UV rays and cigarette smoke increase the level of toxins found in the body. A natural way to help the body eliminate these harmful toxins is to increase consumption of broccoli. Considered by many as a superfood, broccoli boasts the highest level of glucoraphanin – a long-lasting antioxidant – of all cruciferous vegetables. Glucoraphanin supports the body’s own natural detoxification system.

Findings from the recent Brassica survey, which polled 1,012 nationally representative U.S. adults ages 18 and older, revealed that Americans are cooking the health out of their broccoli, not realizing that cooking broccoli at high temperatures and for long periods of time decrease the effectiveness of many nutrients.

Findings at a Glance

Health Benefits of Broccoli

  • Americans know broccoli is healthy, that’s why nearly 2 in 5 wish they could get the nutritional benefits from broccoli without actually having to eat it. And more than half – 56 percent – of those under the age of 35 wish this.
  • Many are confused about the health benefits of broccoli. In fact, 51 percent do not realize broccoli is a natural detoxifier.
  • Nearly 20 percent of Americans believe kale contains more antioxidant phytonutrients than broccoli. In reality, broccoli contains the highest level of glucoraphanin of any cruciferous vegetable.

Preparing Broccoli

  • For 76 percent of Americans, cooking broccoli is their favorite way to prepare it. This includes tried-and-true cooking methods like steaming it on the stovetop (31 percent), steaming it in the microwave (18 percent) and sautéing it in a pan (11 percent).
  • While Americans are eating broccoli, they’re cooking it at high temperatures for up to 15 minutes, which destroys nutrients in the process.
  • The longer broccoli is cooked at high temperatures the more nutrients are deactivated, even though 13 percent of respondents believe cooking broccoli at high temperatures helps to activate its healthy enzymes.

“One of the most significant benefits of eating broccoli is its glucoraphanin that helps to support your body’s own natural detoxification system to function optimally,” said Ashley Koff, registered dietitian. “I’m excited to hear Americans are eating broccoli because it is such a powerhouse vegetable. While I suggest people aim to eat a serving of broccoli daily, I know that's not realistic. For those non-broccoli days I recommend a quality glucoraphanin supplement especially for those needing extra detoxification support based on environmental pollutants or other health concerns.”

Glucoraphanin
Glucoraphanin is an important phytonutrient found in broccoli that naturally works with the body’s own protective enzyme systems to provide a significant number of health benefits. It up-regulates phase 2 detoxification enzymes to protect the body from oxidative stress and increase antioxidant activity. When consumed, glucoraphanin is converted to a potent antioxidant and cellular protector called sulforaphane.

truebroc Glucoraphanin
Nearly 40 percent of Americans wish they could get the nutritional benefits of broccoli without actually having to eat it and now they can. truebroc™ branded glucoraphanin is the most concentrated source of glucoraphanin from broccoli currently on the market and can be found in functional beverages and dietary supplements. Look for the truebroc logo to be sure you are getting a high-quality source of glucoraphanin from broccoli.

Survey Methodology
Wakefield Research conducted the Brassica survey for Brassica Protection Products, an innovator of nutritional ingredients from broccoli, in March 2015. The survey sample included 1,012 nationally representative U.S. adults ages 18 and older.

For more information about the Brassica survey and to find products containing truebroc, visit http://www.truebroc.com.

Brassica Protection Products, LLC
Brassica Protection Products, founded in 1997, is an innovator in the research and development of nutritional ingredients derived from cruciferous vegetables, specifically broccoli. Brassica extracts its glucoraphanin from broccoli seeds and sells its truebroc™ glucoraphanin for use in supplements, functional foods and beverages. Brassica also sells Brassica® Tea, a line of gourmet green and black teas containing truebroc glucoraphanin. For more information about Brassica Protection Products, visit http://www.brassica.com.

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Andrea D. Martin, Brassica Protection Products, http://www.brassica.com, +1 443-927-6183, [email protected]