Superfoods - Broccoli
Most people think of oranges when they think of Vitamin C. I think of broccoli. Most people think of milk or other dairy products when they think of Calcium. I think of broccoli.
Broccoli in the raw
Did you know that broccoli has more Vitamin C than an orange! Not only does broccoli contain antioxicants including Vitamin C but it’s a particularly good source of folate, or naturally occurring folic acid. And for lactose intolerant individuals, it is an excellent source of Calcium!
Just one serving (1 cup) and you will be receiving health benefits of the following:
- Vitamins C, A, E, K
- Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6
- Folic Acid
- Fibre
- Manganese
- Potassium
- Phosphorus
- Magnesium
- Protein
- Omega 3
- Tryptophan
- Iron
- Calcium
- Zinc
- Thiamine
- Riboflavin
- Niacin
- Beta carotene
Sounds like a multi-vitamin supplement, doesn’t it?!
One of my strongest beliefs is, “Prevention is better than cure.” By incorporating superfoods such as broccoli into your eating regime, the health benefits are numerous:
Preventing and/or slowing down the many causes of:
- Osteoporosis
- Macular Degeneration
- High blood pressure
- Anti-inflammatory conditions
- Boils
- Anaemia
- Asthma
- Heart disease
- Cancer - in particular lung, stomach, colon and rectal
Broccoli has the most health benefits when it is eaten raw. If you wish to cook it, then steam very lightly as it loses nutrients as it is cooked. However, being creative and incorporating it into different recipes is another option so that you don’t get tired of eating it the same way all the time.
If you have children that don’t want to eat broccoli, try the trick my mum used when my brother and I were little - calling broccoli the “trees and shrubs” vegetable.
That was a more exciting way to see it and get the health benefits without even realising it!