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Why We Love Broccoli

in The Too Busy to Diet Blog on September 13, 2013

Nutrition Tidbits
• Broccoli is considered one of the healthiest vegetables. It’s a triple super food for its disease fighting powers, its importance in maintaining a healthy heart, and its role in promoting healthy bones and teeth.
• Contains the vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc
• Provides a rich source of Vitamin A in the form of beta carotene
• Folate in broccoli protects against colon cancer and enhances heart health by protecting blood vessel walls from damage.
• Supplies 10% of the daily need for iron which is necessary for neurological development and formation of healthy red blood cells
• Increases immunity and protects the body against infection with its Vitamin C content. One cup has the same Vitamin C content as one orange
• Its high fiber content decreases risk of colon cancer, reduces constipation, maintains a healthy heart by reducing cholesterol, and smoothes out blood sugars. Broccoli has more fiber in one medium spear than one slice of whole wheat bread
• It possesses the phytochemicals indole and isothocynates that help boost enzymes that detoxify the body. These enzymes help prevent cancer, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and high blood pressure. Isothocynates have been shown to block growth of skin cancer cells.
• Promotes healthy bones and teeth with its calcium content that is one of the highest among vegetable sources

Food Facts
• The word “broccoli” means branch or arm
• Broccoli has been eaten for over 2000 years
• Ancient member of the cabbage family believed to be native to Italy
• Member of the mustard family