glucoraphanin Archives

Recipe: Brassica® Coffee Mocha Cappuccino Oatmeal

Posted on February 14, 2017July 17, 2017 by Brassica Contributor

Coffee and oatmeal – they go together like peas and carrots. With the latest recipe from our friend Amy Fischer, RD, you can enjoy them with a simple scoop of your spoon. Plus, your body’s detoxification system will thank you since this recipe features Brassica® Coffee with 15 milligrams of TrueBroc® glucoraphanin in each K-Cup®. Glucoraphanin is known to rev up the body’s natural detox system. In other words, it helps the body eliminate harmful environmental toxins and pollutants.

Enjoy!

Brassica Mocha Cappuccino Oatmeal
Servings: 2

Oatmeal
½ cup steel cut oats

2 cups water

Mocha Sauce
Yield: approx. ¼ cup

Ingredients

3 tbsp. coconut oil

2 tbsp. cacao

1 tbsp. maple syrup

2 tbsp. freshly brewed Brassica® Coffee with TrueBroc®

½ tsp. cinnamon

½ tsp. vanilla bean powder

Directions

1.) Prepare oatmeal as per instructions.

2.) In small bowl combine coconut oil, cacao, maple syrup, cinnamon and vanilla bean powder. Whisk ingredients together and add freshly brewed Brassica® Coffee, mixing until smooth. Add mixture to oatmeal and combine until fully coated.

3.) Serve warm and top with steamed milk, mixed nuts, raisins and cacao nibs.

Recipe: Brassica Tea Poached Pear – National Hot Tea Month

Posted on January 1, 2017July 17, 2017 by Brassica Contributor

There is no better way to celebrate National Hot Tea Month than with a new tea recipe, but this one is not for your traditional tea cup. Our friend and registered dietitian – Amy Fischer @thegreenfisch – is back with a new recipe that features Brassica® Tea with a poached pear.

Whether you make this as a sweet or savory dish, you will be adding the health benefits of broccoli. Yes, broccoli! Each Brassica Tea bag includes 15 milligrams of the phytonutrient glucoraphanin that is found at the highest levels in broccoli. Studied for decades, the glucoraphanin helps to optimize the body’s own detoxification system. This powerful nutrient tags toxins for elimination while aiding in the actual elimination process.

Brassica® Tea Poached Pear
Servings: 6

Ingredients
5 Brassica Tea bags

6 cups filtered water

¾ cup honey

1- 1 inch piece ginger

½ tsp. vanilla bean powder or 1 vanilla bean

3 Bosc pears

Mascarpone cheese, greek yogurt, coconut yogurt, ice cream, etc.

Granola

Parchment Paper

Directions

Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add tea bags to boiling water, remove saucepan from heat and let tea bags steep for approximately 8-10 minutes. Squeeze excess liquid from teas bags in saucepan and discard.

Add honey, ginger, vanilla bean powder to the tea, stirring until honey has melted. Bring tea to a simmer and cook for approximately 5 minutes.

Peel pears using a carrot peeler and leave stems intact. With a melon baller or small spoon scoop out seeds from bottom of each pear. Add pears to saucepan and simmer for approximately 15 minutes until pears are tender. Remove pears from liquid and let cool.

Continue to simmer the liquid in pan until it is reduced by about half and thickens. Discard ginger pieces and let tea cool. Cut pears in half and spoon the reduced liquid over the pear. Serve with a dollop of mascarpone cheese, greek or coconut yogurt or a scoop of ice cream and granola.

True Detox Happens 365 Days a Year – 3 Steps to Make it Last

Posted on November 21, 2016July 17, 2017 by Brassica Contributor

3 Steps to Make Your Detox Plan Last All Year from Ashley Koff RD

You are reading the latest detox headlines…

You can’t detox your body. It’s a myth.
The debate over juice cleanses and toxin removal
Detoxify your liver in two weeks
Three day detox cleanse

… and you are confused! Rightfully so.

True detoxification doesn’t happen in two days or five days. It happens 365 days a year. Every single body is equipped with its own detox system and the key is to find ways to support it every day.

Ashley Koff, RD, award-winning nutrition expert and creator of the Better Nutrition Simplified Membership, shares three simple steps to help you optimize the body’s detoxification system every day.

No. 1: Tackle Toxins
Limit exposure to, and consumption of, environmental toxins. When you can, opt for organic fruits and vegetables, as well as natural household cleaners. Alcohol, cigarette smoke and diesel exhaust are other culprits to a stalled detoxification system.

No. 2: Eat Broccoli
Of all the cruciferous vegetables, broccoli has the highest levels of the phytonutrient glucoraphanin (glu·co·raph’·an·in). Studied for decades, glucoraphanin helps to optimize the body’s own detoxification system by upregulating the phase II enzyme system – essentially, it helps to tag toxins for elimination while aiding in the actual elimination process. Add broccoli (and glucoraphanin) to your plate every day with the help of these recipes.

No. 3: Drink to Detox
It is no surprise that our body needs water to function and our detox system is no different. To help get the recommend amount (approx. a half gallon) of water each day, be sure to guzzle some H2O before bed and as soon as you wake up – even before your morning cup of coffee or tea.

You can also get glucoraphanin from TrueBroc® in some of these Ashley Koff Approved (AKA) products – SulforaClear™ and OncoPLEX™, among others.

Recipe: Broccoli Risotto – Easy Rich and Creamy Risotto

Posted on November 4, 2016July 17, 2017 by Brassica Contributor

The latest installment of our monthly “Recipe Friday” features an easy risotto recipe that features our favorite cruciferous vegetable – broccoli! Amy Fisher, RD (@thegreenfisch) created this recipe knowing that the majority of Americans overcook their broccoli. In fact, a recent survey by TrueBroc® found that nearly 40 percent of Americans are cooking their broccoli for 10 minutes or more (yuck!), which can significantly denature the good stuff, including glucoraphanin!

In this recipe, you only need to lightly steam the broccoli (less than 5 minutes).

Did you know?
1 cup of raw broccoli, chopped, has only 31 calories and boasts more than 2 grams of protein and 15 milligrams of glucoraphanin.

Broccoli Risotto
Servings: 6

Ingredients

1 large head of broccoli

2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

2 cups vegetable stock, 2 Tbsp. grass-fed butter

1 medium onion chopped

12 oz. arborio rice

1 cup dry white wine

pinch of saffron threads

1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan

¼ cup freshly grated pecorino Romano

Directions

Cut broccoli into florets and steam for approximately 4-5 minutes, until tender. Remove from heat, rinse in cold water, drain and set aside.

In a saucepan bring stock to a boil, cover and keep warm.

In a large saucepan, melt 2 tbsp. butter with 2 tbsp. olive oil. Add onion and cook over medium heat for a few minutes until onion is soft and translucent. Add rice and cook stirring to coat it with butter and olive oil. Add wine and simmer until almost evaporated. Add enough stock to just cover the rice and cook until the stock has evaporated. Add saffron to the remaining stock and let it steep. Then, continue adding the remainder of the stock with the saffron slowly, about ¼ cup each time, until the rice reaches the desired tenderness. The risotto is done when the rice is just past al dente and the risotto has a creamy texture, about 25 minutes. Stir in the cheese and fold in the broccoli. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Recipe – Grilled Broccoli Salad with Radish

Posted on September 5, 2016September 5, 2016 by Brassica Contributor

It’s Labor Day! As you prepare to spend time with family and friends, fire up the grill and put refreshing drinks on ice, don’t be afraid to prepare delicious and healthy food that will wow your guests and deliver a kick of detox to your body.

The broccoli and radishes in our new Grilled Broccoli Salad recipe (thank you Amy Fischer, RD – @thegreenfisch) work as a team to help prepare the body for true detoxification. Broccoli florets feature the powerful phytonutrient glucoraphanin and the enzyme myrosinase, which work together to convert glucoraphanin to the potent antioxidant sulforaphane. Radishes are also rich in myrosinse.

Glucoraphanin is converted into sulforaphane via the enzyme myrosinase. This happens when we chew broccoli and break down the cells. Caution – myrosinase will be denatured when cooking. If this occurs, the conversion will take place via the body’s gut microflora, which is the same process if you are consuming glucoraphanin through a fortified food, beverage or supplement.

Try our latest broccoli recipe…on the grill this Labor Day!

Grilled Broccoli Salad with Radish

Ingredients
1 head of broccoli
1 large red onion
2 ears corn
4 small radishes
1 tbsp. olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
salt
pepper

Directions
On a clean grill, coat grill rack with olive oil. Slice broccoli horizontally into medium thick slices. Cut red onion into thick slices. Grill corn in or out of the husk directly on grill or wrap it in aluminum foil and place on edge of grill.

Brush vegetables lightly with olive oil on both sides to coat and season with salt and pepper. Place broccoli, onion and corn on heated grill and cook at medium to low temperature turning frequently to avoid burning. Cook for approximately 5-10 minutes and remove from heat. Mix vegetables together and drizzle lightly with balsamic.

Using a mandolin slice the radish over the salad and serve warm or chilled. Serves 4.

Recipe: Brassica Coffee Rub

Posted on June 21, 2016July 17, 2017 by Brassica Contributor

It’s summer, your glass is filled with fresh brewed iced tea and your grill is fired up to cook your family a delicious meal. Reach for your Brassica Coffee K-Cup® pod and hold on to your taste buds. We have a new recipe from our friend Amy Fischer RD (@thegreenfisch) who incorporated our Brassica Coffee with TrueBroc® glucoraphanin into an amazing rub for your favorite protein (chicken, fish, beef, pork).

Brassica Coffee delivers 15 mg of the powerful antioxidant glucoraphanin from broccoli. When consumed, glucoraphanin helps to trigger antioxidant action lasting up to 72 hours, compared to other antioxidants that typically last only 3 hours.

Brassica® Coffee Rub

Ingredients:

4 tbsp. maple sugar or coconut palm sugar or brown sugar

1 K-Cup® pod of Brassica® Coffee with TrueBroc®

1 tbsp. sea salt

1 tsp. cacao

1 tsp. garlic powder

½ tsp. cumin

½ tsp. cinnamon

Optional: to add heat/spice: ½ tbsp. smoked paprika + 1 tsp. Chile powder

4 6oz. portions filet mignon

Directions:

1.) In a small bowl combine all ingredients (except for the meat) together well.

2.) Lightly coat each piece of tenderloin (or protein of choice) with olive oil and then rub approximately 1 tbsp. of mixture onto the meat. Let sit for approximately 1 hour at room temperature, covered, to absorb the spices before cooking.

3.) Keep any leftover rub mixture in an airtight container for ~2-3 months.

Share photos of your Brassica Coffee rub recipes that you create. We’d love to see them and profile them on our blog.

Ashley Koff, RD Shares Why Broccoli is Her Favorite Veggie with Dr. Oz

Posted on May 24, 2016July 18, 2017 by Brassica Contributor

We caught up with award-winning nutrition expert Ashley Koff, RD, creator of the Better Nutrition Simplified Program to learn more about her recent appearance on the Dr. Oz Show and why broccoli is her favorite vegetable.

TrueBroc®: You recently professed your love for broccoli on the Dr. Oz Show. What is it about broccoli that you love so much?
Ashley Koff, RD: I was that “strange” kid who always loved eating broccoli. As a kid, I liked the taste and the brightly colored little trees. When I became a registered dietitian, I was excited to learn about all of the important vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that are packed into my favorite food!

TrueBroc®: What part of the broccoli has the most abundant supply of nutrients?
Ashley Koff, RD: Let’s be clear, all of broccoli is good for you. The leaves and the stem have different nutrients and amounts of nutrients than the florets. So I think rather than ask what part has the most abundant supply, I would highlight why I love the leaves (calcium), the stems (fiber) and the florets (lots of vitamins but also the super detox hero, glucoraphanin, that I told Dr. Oz about – that’s where you find the most of it, and broccoli florets have more glucoraphanin than any other food).

TrueBroc®: You mentioned during the show that broccoli is great for detoxing. Why is it such a good detox food?
Ashley Koff, RD: So first off, I think it is key for us to be reminded that we all have a detoxification system – the body’s equipped to identify and remove toxins. Thus, the foods that contain the nutrients that support that system – both phases of it – are a major part of our nutrition needs. For example, to convert harmful toxins and used hormones (which can become harmful if not eliminated) into less harmful ones, the body needs lots of vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, magnesium as well as plant nutrients like milk thistle and quercetin to support these efforts. Antioxidants found in colorful fruits and vegetables, as well as the plant nutrients in nuts, seeds, grains and beans that help do the “clean up” work.

Broccoli contains the highest amount of the phytonutrient glucoraphanin, which the body uses as a key detox agent – especially for the second part – to convert and eliminate those tough toxins and used hormones.

TrueBroc®: If people don’t eat broccoli, are there other ways to get the detox benefits of its glucoraphanin?
Ashley Koff, RD: Absolutely. You can blend broccoli into your morning shake or smoothie to help mask the sulfur/bitter taste (my friend Tess Masters, aka The Blender Girl, recommends frozen as it virtually eliminates the broccoli taste). Also, a friend and fellow registered dietitian, Amy Fischer (@thegreenfisch) developed this broccoli protein smoothie recipe. Enjoy!

Broccoli Protein Smoothie Recipe

Serving: 1

Ingredients

3 broccoli florets

1/2 pear

1/2 banana

2 tbsp. protein powder

1 cup almond milk

1/2 cup coconut water

1/4 tsp. vanilla bean powder

Directions

Add all ingredients to high-speed blender and enjoy. Optional: add ice.

New Brassica Coffee with TrueBroc® – Free Shipping Offer

Posted on May 12, 2016July 17, 2017 by Brassica Contributor

Brassica Protection Products Launches Brassica Coffee with truebroc Glucoraphanin

New Coffee Features 15 Milligrams of Glucoraphanin from Broccoli in Each K-Cup®

Brassica Protection Products LLC, an innovator in the research and development of nutritional ingredients derived from cruciferous vegetables, today announced the launch of its new Brassica® Coffee with TrueBroc® glucoraphanin from broccoli seeds. Brassica Coffee is available in light and dark roasts containing 15 milligrams of TrueBroc® in each K-Cup®. The coffee is available for purchase at truebroc.com, Amazon.com and Baltimore Coffee and Tea in Baltimore, MD.

“We’ve produced Brassica Tea with TrueBroc® for more than 15 years and, during this time, our customers asked for the detoxification benefits of glucoraphanin in a coffee – today we are excited to make coffee lovers happy,” said Tony Talalay, CEO of Brassica Protection Products. “We are continuously seeking ways to make glucoraphanin easily available – by fortifying foods and beverages with TrueBroc® and making it available in high-quality dietary supplements and nutraceuticals there are now even more ways to get the benefits of this long-lasting antioxidant from broccoli.”

Brassica Coffee is available in all-natural light and dark roast coffees. Brassica Coffee light roast features a blend of Guatemala Antigua, Colombian Supremo and Bourbon Brazil Santos coffees. The dark roast variety delivers a blend of French roasted Central American, South American and African Arabica coffees. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for Brassica Coffee is $10.69 per box of 12 K-Cups.

Free Shipping Special Offer

To celebrate the launch of Brassica Coffee, we are offering free shipping on all orders over $20. Simply enter coupon code bcfee16 at checkout and shipping is on us. Offer is available through May 2016. Shop Now.

Healthy Back-to-School Snacks – Bite-Sized Portions

Posted on August 13, 2015July 17, 2017 by Brassica Contributor

Our friend at YES! Nutrition – registered dietitian Tori Holthaus – shares 4 after school snacks that offer nutrition in bite-sized portions. She incorporates Brassica Decaf Green Tea – which is fortified with TrueBroc® from broccoli – in her “mini decaf green tea lemonade ice bites,” so when your little scholar doesn’t want to eat his or her broccoli, you can rest assured they’re still getting the powerful antioxidant protection from TrueBroc® glucoraphanin.

A “Radbroc” Smoothie Recipe

Posted on June 23, 2015August 13, 2015 by Brassica Contributor

Broccoli and Radishes What do you get when you combine broccoli florets with radishes? A detoxification power couple.

Broccoli contains the phytonutrient glucoraphanin and the enzyme myrosinase. When we chew raw broccoli, the myrosinase and glucoraphanin interact to create sulforaphane, which is a potent antioxidant and detoxifier.

In addition to being another rich source of myrosinase, radishes are mostly composed of water. Water helps to keep the body hydrated and helps to support the efficiency of digestion, ensuring proper uptake of nutrients from the food we eat – like broccoli.

Our nutrition consultant, Ashley Koff, RD, developed the following smoothie recipe, featuring the power couple “Radbroc.” Enjoy!

Radbroc Smoothie Recipe

Ingredients
3 radishes, washed*
3 broccoli leaves*
1 cup broccoli florets*
1 serving plant protein powder*
1 cup unsweetened hemp milk
1 cup frozen mango
2 tsp coconut oil
Optional: 1/2 ripe banana

Directions
Place all items in a blender and purée.

Makes 1 large (meal replacement) serving or 2 side servings.
*denotes organic

Glucoraphanin: Broccoli’s Super Antioxidant

Posted on May 19, 2015July 20, 2017 by Brassica Contributor

We think glucoraphanin found in broccoli is pretty super, but realize there’s a lot of confusion and mystery in the nutrition world about this phytonutrient. We break it down for you in the following infographic.

glucoraphanin infographic

Survey Shows Americans Are Cooking the Health Out of Broccoli

Posted on April 21, 2015April 21, 2015 by Brassica Contributor

The National Brassica Survey Reveals Nearly 2 in 5 Americans are Cooking Broccoli 10 Minutes or Longer, Significantly Reducing the Detoxification Benefits of the Phytonutrient Glucoraphanin

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.

With National Air Quality Awareness Week April 27 – May 1, now is the time to identify ways to help rid the body of harmful environmental toxins. Broccoli, if prepared properly, is a natural way to help boost 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.”

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.

Surprising (and Simple) Ways to Detox Your Body

Posted on March 16, 2015July 17, 2017 by Brassica Contributor

We bet you didn’t realize that adding a houseplant in your living room not only helps to add oxygen to your home, but also helps to detoxify the air around you. Registered dietitian Ashley Koff shares her top 5 habits to help detoxify your body in a recent blog post on WholeFoods Magazine website, and adding greens made the list.

Another tip is to eat more broccoli or add a glucoraphanin supplement – such as TrueBroc® – to your daily routine. Found in broccoli, glucoraphanin is a powerful detox-promoting antioxidant that helps eliminate toxins from your body. Our bodies convert glucoraphanin to the potent antioxidant sulforaphane, which then boosts our phase 2 detox enzymes – the body’s natural defense system. The best part is that these boosted detox enzymes remain active in our body for up to 72 hours compared to direct antioxidants like vitamin C that only last up to 3 hours before needing replenished.

One other tip we’d add to this list is to avoid excess exposure to environmental toxins such as those found in gardening supplies, dry-cleaning fumes, car exhaust and second hand smoke. When it comes to dry-cleaning, remove your clothes from the plastic protective bag and let them air out before storing them in your closet.

Whether you’re adding a houseplant or dietary glucoraphanin supplement, be sure to avoid exposure to environment toxins whenever you can. By doing so, you’ll help to rid them from your home and your body.

Looking to add a daily glucoraphanin supplement into your diet? Visit the TrueBroc® supplement page to learn more.