John Myers
Yes, you can eat broccoli raw. The Mediterranean type of cabbage is even healthier uncooked, for example in a vegetable smoothie. When cooking, large amounts of the heat-sensitive vitamins C and B5 (pantothenic acid) contained in broccoli break down. The trace elements are also preserved when broccoli is eaten raw. The cooking process also breaks down the heat-sensitive enzyme involved in releasing the potentially cancer-preventing mustard oil sulforaphane.
Unlike green beans, there are no toxins to worry about in raw broccoli. However, for people with sensitive digestions, large amounts of raw broccoli may cause abdominal pain or bloating. It should therefore be washed thoroughly and divided into small florets. These are the least bloating and can be served as part of a raw food platter.
If you want to go easy on your stomach, blanch the broccoli in boiling water for about two minutes before eating. The green vegetables can also be easily prepared by stewing or steaming without too much loss of nutrients.
