Broccoli: Healthy, Nutritious and Delicious
Broccoli may not be the most glamorous vegetable around, but it sure is one of the healthiest by far. Not many people appreciate all that this healthy, natural treat has to offer. The vegetable is often singled out as being bland, which really couldn’t be any further from the truth. Broccoli is crunchy in its raw form but transforms into a soft, buttery delight when it is steamed or boiled. The subtle flavor acts as an advantage, making it easy to incorporate this vegetable into a wide variety of recipes. You can bake it, roast it, boil it, cook it, steam it, incorporate it as a sideline, or add it to the main meal. And why should you make an effort to include this amazing vegetable into your regular diet? Let’s find out!
Keeps your Heart Healthy and Strong
With rich stores of leading antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, broccoli protects your heart muscle from several ailments including blood pressure problems, high cholesterol, stroke, and atherosclerosis. The key compounds that help broccoli achieve this task include vitamin C, lutein, beta-carotene, and several B vitamins.
Reduces the Risk of Cancer
Broccoli hails from a class of cruciferous vegetables that are well-known for the powerful protection they provide against several debilitating cancers. Broccoli contains two essential phytochemicals namely indoles and isothiocyanates. These two compounds work effectively to activate certain key enzymes in the body which act as cancer destroying agents.
Keeps the Digestive System in Check
Your body needs two forms of fiber to keep the digestive system functioning without any glitches. These two forms of fiber include soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Luckily, broccoli contains both variants and can efficiently ward off digestive troubles such as constipation and diarrhea.
Excellent for Weight Control
With a calorie count of only 30, broccoli is the perfect addition to your nutritious low-calorie diet plan. The high fiber content will leave you feeling full while the nutritional goodness of this wonderful vegetable will provide your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to stay strong and healthy.
Fortifies Your Bones
Milk isn’t the only natural product that keeps your bones strong and healthy. Broccoli too features a high calcium content, which is enough to reinforce your teeth and bones. So if milk isn’t your calcium-source of choice, you now have an equally powerful substitute. In addition, broccoli also contains manganese which facilitates the absorption and utilization of calcium by your body.
Don’t Let This Green Wonder Slip Away
It may take some time to get used to the unique taste of broccoli, but don’t let that stop you from having a helping on a regular basis. Keep reminding yourself of the nutritional goodness of this vegetable. In fact, with regular consumption, you will begin to appreciate the positive benefits of this vegetable yourself.
