A new trend arising in the health industry is broccoli powder: broccoli ground to a fine powder and usually stirred into drinks. Whose idea was this? Australia’s scientific agency, CSIRO. In retrospect, it isn’t a bad idea. Broccoli powder can be added to your foods and drinks for an increase of protein and fiber.
Furthermore, they ground the entire broccoli, so there’s absolutely no wastage. Here’s where the trend gets weird: broccoli coffee. We thought adding collagen to your coffee was strange, but this reaches a whole new level. Cafes in Australia are already serving broccoli coffee on their menu with mixed reviews. First, the broccoli powder has an “acquired taste” which the coffee flavors can’t fully disguise. Furthermore, it’s green. If you can get over these facts for the nutritional benefits, broccoli coffee may be right for you.
The Benefits of Broccoli Powder
Broccoli has a compound called glucosinolates, which has a positive impact on your detoxification system. This can improve your liver and colon. Additionally, glucosinolates have been said to have powerful anti-cancer properties.
Vitamin D can improve several health conditions and prevent certain health risks. Vitamins K and A help keep our vitamin D metabolism in balance, according to one article. Because broccoli has a significant source of vitamins K and A, people who have vitamin D deficiency can do away with their supplements and choose broccoli powder instead. Broccoli coffee isn’t looking so bad after all.
But wait – there’s more!
Broccoli has an essential vitamin compound called sulforaphane. This compound can be found in most cruciferous vegetables. The benefits of sulforaphane are endless – not really, but they do have plenty of health benefits.
- This sulfur compound has antimicrobial properties – an agent that kills microorganisms dead in their tracks. Microorganisms, by the way, come in the form of bacteria, viruses and fungus.
- It kills cancer stem cells and slows down the growth of tumors.
- Sulforaphane can aid in the prevention of diseases such as hypertension, gut health and kidney function.
- It can strengthen your immune system, as it also has vitamin C.
Make Your Own Cup of Joe
You can find broccoli powder on many online health food stores, including this one. Making your own broccoli coffee in the morning is simple. First make your regular cup of coffee (strengthen it, as it may help in diluting the powder’s taste). Next, add 1-3 teaspoons into your coffee. We suggest starting with one teaspoon and then once you get used to the taste, gradually go up to three. Or if you’re accustomed to such supplements, like spirulina, matcha and chlorella – start with three!
Broccoli coffee is the latest trend, but you can add this powder to just about any drink, and even your food. Add to your latte, tea, smoothie, juice, or soups. It will provide you with your daily dose of vegetables, and many other nutritional benefits.
