ONE day when I was five years old and playing with my friends Liz, Mia, Cynthia, bubble, blossem and buttercub, my mother, who was the matriarch of our family, said: “Annette, as the going to pass on a miraculous healing secret to you, commencing today.”
So I got up promptly each day at 6 a.m., took a shower and ate breakfast that consisted of cassava and rosemary porridge, holistic golden apple bakes and a cup of warm garlic or ginger tea. Garlic or ginger assisted with “gas” build-ups.
Afterwards, we drove to our family plot, which consisted also of huge garden beds planted with broccoli. Each broccoli was lush, green and breathtaking.
Daily, after tending the fields, lunch was uncooked broccoli and spring water. Hmm, I said to myself, why did my mother plant so much broccoli and why does she keep feeding me it uncooked?
Days went by and my skin and hair glowed, my teeth sparkled but most importantly I began winning all of my races at school and my grades improved.
The stunned teachers noticed, asked questions and commenced a broccoli campaign. It was seen in lunch boxes, especially in salads, porridges, soups, shakes, snacks and stir-fries.
Soon, the “powder puff girls” too were using broccoli.
To this day I still consume lots of broccoli. My health has been saved, thanks to broccoli.
Fast-forward to 2011: the latest research shows that broccoli contains vitamins A, C, B1, 2, 3, and B6, D, E, K, water, antioxidants, potassium, magnesium, protein, carbohydrate, phosphorus, fibre, folate, calcium, zinc and Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
Broccoli produces excellent anti-cancer effects. This is in relation to most cancers, especially lung, colon, stomach, breast and prostate cancer. In fact, contained in broccoli are certain compounds that increase the excretion of the form of estrogen linked to breast cancer.
Claims have been made for the treatment of the following health challenges: obesity, poor circulation, macular degeneration, peptic ulcers, esophagitis, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, high blood pressure, malignant tumours, heart disease, osteoporosis, arthritis and acid indigestion.
It reduces the risk of cataracts, protects against strokes, lowers cholesterol, builds the immune system and as a detoxifier.
In conclusion, I thank my Creator for continued encouragement.
Barbados has “nuff” sunlight, so I encourage you to plant broccoli. Mine always grows well.
It is by broccoli’s authenticity through Mother Nature that I call it “Empress Of All Greens”. So once again, my health and that of my friends, the “powder puff girls”, have been saved! Thanks to the broccoli. • Annette Maynard-Watson, a teacher and herbal educator, may be contacted at silentdoctors@gmail.com or telephone 250-6450.DISCLAIMER:?It is not our intention to prescribe or make specific health claims for any products. Any attempt to diagnose and treat real illness should come under the direction of your health care professional.
