The magic of broccoli
Ok…so maybe it’s not “magical” per se…but it is delicious and can provide you with a plethora of health benefits. Among some of the goodies that broccoli possess include:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin B3
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Calcium
- Folate
- Vitamin K
*To see a more complete breakdown, click here.
Healing Benefits of Broccoli
As with most other leafy green veggies, broccoli contains powerful phytochemical antioxidants (lutein and zeaxanthin), which have been shown to help improve the strength of our eyes. Additionally, did you know that consuming just one cup of broccoli will give you your recommended daily allowance (RDA) of Vitamin C? As an added bonus, that vitamin C packs a punch with 1359 mcg of beta-carotene, which helps us strengthen our immune system, thus staving off colds.
Pregnant women are often encouraged to consume broccoli because just one cup of the green stuff contains 94 mcg of folic acid, which helps a fetus’s nervous system develop properly. There are also suggestions that it may prevent birth defects. Broccoli also contains a TON of calcium, which is good news for vegetarians as well as those who are lactose intolerant :)
Selecting and prepping broccoli
When you select broccoli from your local supermarket, look for a strong green color, tight buds and healthy leaves on the stalk. The stalks should be a light green color, and the buds should be easy to pierce with your fingernail. Beware of any broccoli that looks dry or yellowed in parts.
Once you get home, store broccoli in the fridge in a plastic bag UNWASHED for 3-4 days. If you are planning on using it right away, take a bowl of lukewarm water, add 2 tsps. of white wine vinegar and soak the broccoli for 15 minutes. Strain and store in a plastic bowl lined with paper towel in the fridge for a couple of days. You can enjoy broccoli raw, sauteed, steamed or fried. The possibilities are as limitless as your imagination!
Broccoli as a snack or a meal
In addition to being one of the most nutrient-dense foods around, you can eat a lot more of it without having to count the calories. For instance, a 3.5 ounce of cooked broccoli contains only 35 calories…but you’re still getting a TON of vitamins as well as fiber. It makes a great snack or a great addition to any meal. Below, I chose to eat broccoli with some Nasoya Spinach Garlic Super Hummus and a few pieces of Matzos crackers. It’s a great way to snack healthy.
How do you eat broccoli?
Resources
