Saturday, November 14, 2009

Health Benefits of BROCCOLI


Broccoli is my favorite vegetable, and one of my favorite foods. I can't go more than a couple days without it actually. Steamed with Earth Balance, lemon and salt & pepper is my favorite way to enjoy broccoli, that, and in red curries. I like to eat the florets and juice the stalks. Broccoli is Queen of our fridge (black Kale is King). It's a member of the cabbage family, originated in Italy, and the name derives from it's Italian name, broccolo, meaning cabbage sprout.

If broccoli was junk food I would still eat it. Luckily, it's considered a superfood because it's loaded with good stuff. Folate, Vitamin C, potassium and cancer preventing phytonutrients. It's great for detoxifying cells, helps repair sundamaged skin, promotes cardiovascular health, eye health and boosts the immune system. Broccoli sprouts are even more beneficial than the vegetable.

Though it's available year round, broccoli is in season from October through April. Right now the broccoli I've been getting is delicious. Look for firm, dark green organic bunches.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Broccoli is my favorite too. I shave the stalks with a peeler and it helps make them more tender.

Eco Mama said...

That helps a lot Carmen, today I had some broccoli and the stalks were super sweet. But I usually end up juicing them out of habit.
xo
Eco Mama