Food As Medicine – Broccoli
Today we will be talking about Broccoli
Broccoli is in the cruciferous family and is enjoyed worldwide in many different cultures. Some of its close relatives are bok choy, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, collards, kale, mustard greens, and turnip greens. One thing all these veggies have in common besides being related is that they are all nutrition powerhouses!
Broccoli is loaded with goodness and Its top 10 nutrients are:
Vitamin K
Vitamin C
Chromium
Folate
Pantothenic Acid
Fiber
Vitamin B6
Vitamin E
Phosphorus
Choline
Some of the health benefits of Broccoli are:
Anti-inflammatory – The glucosinolates that are found in broccoli and other cruciferous veggies have been known to shut down the inflammatory response. Broccoli also contains low-level amounts of Omega 3's which also help balance the inflammatory response. Who knew? Broccoli has a little healthy fat! It also contains phytonutrients that help lower your risk of chronic inflammation.
Cancer Prevention and a Strong Immune System – Broccoli is very unique where it has three powerful components that support health. It is an anti-inflammatory, contains anti-oxidants, and is pro-detoxification. Any foods that can improve these three types of metabolic problems are highly likely to lower the risk of cancer and keep your immune system strong.
Benefits you might not know about – Broccoli can help with eye health. It contains two carotenoids, lutein, and zeaxanthin which can help with macular degeneration and cataracts. Broccoli has also been known to help with Vitamin D absorption because of its high levels of Vitamin K. Most people have lower levels of Vitamin D and I don't know about you but I'll take all the help I can get.
When you're shopping for broccoli make sure it has a dark green color... the darker the better. Don't waste the stems, peel them, and use them in a stir fry!
The best way to eat broccoli is fresh or lightly steamed, this helps retain all the nutrients that are going to make you powerful, like a superhero!
When I was a kid I grew up on Long Island in a suburban neighborhood. My parents turned the whole side of our yard into a pretty big organic garden. In case you're wondering this wasn't the norm. We had veggies coming out of our eyeballs and my Mother cooked and canned and froze everything. I never really realized how lucky I was. One of my memories of broccoli was they had these very large juicy worms on them and you would have to soak them underwater to get them off. This was something I just didn't want to know about as a kid. I just wanted to eat it!
When my kids were little I used to steam it and serve it over pasta with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. I have to admit, I would steam it heavily and almost make a creamy sauce out of it so the kids would eat it.
Be sure to grab a free recipe at the end of this page and share it with a friend who might enjoy it!
Xo, T
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