Benefits of Broccoli
We all know how much greens and cruciferous vegetables play a vital role in our diets; leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and lettuce can provide us with many nutrients, vitamins, and minerals for a well-balanced diet. One often overlooked, and perhaps detested, vegetable is broccoli; this well-deserving vegetable is a very nutritious and strong pick for its fiber content, minerals, and immunity-blocking properties. Thankfully, there are numerous ways to incorporate broccoli into your daily menu, as well as ways to introduce it to even the most picky eater!
Broccoli is a member of the cauliflower family, and can be bought fresh or frozen. Frozen versions work best for busy families, as fresh broccoli spoils quickly without adequate care and attention, and needs ample washing and cleaning before use. Frozen broccoli works well simply stir-fried with other vegetables, added to pasta sauces, topped with lemon juice and black pepper for steaming, or served as a side with cheese, balsamic vinegar, or dressing. The less emphasis you place on broccoli being a ‘health food,’ the more likely it will be appreciated by the whole family! Broccoli works well on pizza, added to salads, and even served in sautÃ?©s.
However you develop your current dishes and menu around broccoli, bear in mind that it is all contributing greatly to your health. Broccoli provides ample fiber, and is a natural source of calcium. This makes is a vital enhancement to any woman’s diet, as well as young children who may have milk allergies. Since broccoli is such a versatile food, it can be incorporated into many cooking styles and techniques; it has limited flavor on its own, and so can be enhanced with seasonings, spices, lemon juice, and vinegar to create fabulous and nutritious additions to any meal.
According to the John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Broccoli and broccoli sprouts contain a chemical called sulforaphane that kills helicobacter pylori. H pylor is the bacteria responsible for peptic ulcers and many gastric cancers, and the risk can be greatly reduced by regular consumption of broccoli. If that isn’t enough to motivate your broccoli intake, make note that broccoli is also full of beta-carotene, an essential component for increased eye health and vision.
When preparing and selecting fresh broccoli, look for signs of yellow buds; this will indicate that the broccoli is spoiling, and should not be consumed. Darker heads and a purplish hue will ensure the freshest batch, and you will need to rinse it thoroughly. The best way to clean fresh broccoli is to soak it in cold water for about an hour, and then rinse thoroughly. You can revive limp broccoli by trimming the stalk and letting it stand in cold water. Do avoid overcooking and over steaming broccoli, as essential sulfur will escape!
Broccoli has extensive benefits, and can easily be incorporated into your daily menu. Use these tips and strategies to give this deserving vegetable a try; the effort will be worth every minute of health you can enjoy from the benefits of broccoli!
