The Dish: The power of green

Comvita Broccoli extract. Photo / Supplied

New Zealand natural health and skincare care company Comvita is championing broccoli as a natural wonder and this month brought a leading American medical scientist to New Zealand to spread the word. Dr Paul Talalay, director of the laboratory for molecular pharmacology at Johns Hopkins University has produced world-leading research into the benefits of certain compounds as powerful anti-carcinogens. Broccoli particularly was found to be rich in a natural compound called glucoraphanin and it is this that has been harnessed by Comvita in a new broccoli extract. While it's certainly good to eat your greens, the extract from the plant's seeds in pill form is much more intense, saving you from having to chomp through nearly a head of broccoli every day to get the benefits, plus is lasts longer in the system, up to 72 hours, than many vitamins. While in New Zealand, Dr Talalay, who holds a life professorship of the American Cancer Society spoke to science, health and beauty industry audiences about his research. This indicates the benefits of glucoraphanin as a recharger of protective antioxidant defence enzymes could extend to fighting a number of chronic diseases. Comvita is now launching its Broccoli Extract, after earlier international success with honey-based products. The pills are on sale for $39.90 at health stores and selected pharmacies. To find out more see www.comvita.com

Espresso love

Inner-city workers looking for a good cup of coffee should check out ME Coffee Boutique, in the Chifley Suites building on Albert St near the corner of Wyndham St. Hans Pronk is the young entrepreneur behind ME and he was placed in the Auckland barista finals so expect coffee made with care, blended in small batches by Pronk under his own Merito brand using the best imported beans. The espresso bar opens from 6.30am weekdays and 9am on Saturday and will offer a range of coffees to try. It will also sell beans to go and a small selection of tasty food. Pronk says: "We love providing coffee that makes getting up in the morning about as good as it can get." Sounds like just the shot to us.