Mom was right - eat your veggies

Your mother was right – even if you won’t admit it!

Do you remember when your mother told you to eat your veggies and said it would make you big and strong?  Well, she was right!

Even if you do not like broccoli, eat it.  It’s good for you.  Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, kale, cabbage and bok choy contain chemicals which signal the body to produce a protein called Nrf2.

This protein is an internal antioxidant system.  It activates genes within the cells, resulting in the production of antioxidant enzymes which protect the cells from internal injury.  These enzymes prevent the binding of inflammatory cells and thereby protect the internal lining of the arteries.

This essentially means they decrease the development of hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis) and, by maintaining the elasticity of the cells that make up our arteries, these enzyme systems slow down the aging of the blood vessels.

In the brain, maintenance of the integrity of the cells lining the blood vessels protects the brain from invaders.  Therefore, broccoli and other such green vegetables keep the vascular system, the brain, the heart and all cells of the body healthier.

With this explanation we can understand how a lifestyle of eating healthy food trumps genetics.  Many people think that genetics define destiny. However, as we can see from this biochemical process, eating certain foods can turn on healthy genes and can even turn off unhealthy genes.

The living well tip for the week is to eat green vegetables every day knowing that the chemicals within will protect you from disease, cancer and will even help you to live longer!  Stay well my friends and send comments and questions to Dr.Sal@LeeMemorial.org

Dr.  Sal

VP of Health & Wellness
Lee Memorial Health System