11/12/2014 Tip of the day Health benefits of broccoli Broccoli is known to be hearty and tasty vegetable which is rich in dozens of nutrients. It is said to pack the most nutritional punch of any vegetable. Here are some of the benefits of broccoli: 1.Cancer prevention: Broccoli shares these cancer fighting, immune boosting properties with other cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and cabbage. 2. Cholesterol reduction: Like many whole foods, broccoli is packed with soluble fiber that draws cholesterol out of your body. 3. Reducing allergic reaction and inflammation: Research has shown the ability of kaempferol to lessen the impact of allergy-related substances on our body. Broccoli even has significant amounts of omega 3 fatty acids, which are well know as an anti-inflammatory. 4. Powerful antioxidant: Of all the cruciferous vegetables, broccoli stands out as the most concentrated source of vitamin C, plus the flavonoids necessary for vitamin C to recycle effectively. Also concentrated in broccoli are other powerful antioxidants. 5. Bone health: Broccoli contains high levels of both calcium and vitamin K, both of which are important for bone health and prevention of osteoporosis. 6. Heart health: The anti-inflammatory properties in broccoli, may be able to prevent (or even reverse) some of the damage to blood vessel linings that can be caused by inflammation due to chronic blood sugar problems. 7. Diet aid: Broccoli is a good carb and is high in fiber, which aids in digestion, prevents constipation, maintains low blood sugar, and curbs overeating. 8. Detox: Broccoli has a strong, positive impact on our bodys detoxification system. 9. Broccoli may help us solve our vitamin D deficiency epidemic. When large supplemental doses of vitamin D are needed to offset deficiency, ample supplies of vitamin K and vitamin A help keep our vitamin D metabolism in balance. Broccoli has an unusually strong combination of both vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene) and vitamin K. For people faced with the need to rebuild vitamin D stores through vitamin D supplements, broccoli may be an ideal food to include in the diet. A Few Quick Serving Ideas •Toss pasta with olive oil, pine nuts and steamed broccoli florets. Add salt and pepper to taste. •Purée cooked broccoli and cauliflower, then combine with seasonings of your choice to make a simple, yet delicious, soup. •Add broccoli florets and chopped stalks to omelets. •Eat broccoli or cauliflower raw or lightly steamed with dip or pour an Olive Oil Lemon Dressing over it. •Chop lightly steamed broccoli and cauliflower and add to a pasta salad. •Toss pasta with olive oil, pine nuts and steamed broccoli florets. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Posted on: Wed, 12 Nov 2014 01:27:34 +0000
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