Broccoli is a plant in the cabbage family,
whose large flower head is used as a vegetable. The health benefits of broccoli
along with the easy availability of this super vegetable make it one of our
most popular vegetables.
Health Benefits Of
Broccoli
·
Anti-cancer properties, reduces the risk of certain types of cancer such as breast cancer, colon
cancer and lung cancer.
·
Anti aging properties.
·
Aid digestion.
·
Acts as detoxifier.
·
Control diabetes.
·
Improve immune system.
·
Maintain healthy eyesight
due to presence of Beta-carotene.
·
Protect against UV radiation.
·
Strengthen bone and Prevent
osteoporosis.
·
Prevent anemia.
·
Maintain a healthy pregnancy.
·
Reduce Alzheimer’s disease
risk.
·
Lower cholesterol and high
blood pressure.
·
Reduce heart disease risk.
·
Weight loss diet. Approximately 146 gram of broccoli contains less than 50 calories.
Cooking With Broccoli
To know how
to eat broccoli you need to develop and acquire the taste for it. Fortunately,
there are a few interesting ways in which you not just like eating broccoli,
but also love them.
Don’t throw away stems of broccoli, slice them
in small pieces and add to your dishes. The best way to prepare & eat
broccoli, nutrient-wise, is lightly steamed. The worst way is to microwave, as
this seriously reduces its antioxidant levels.
Also, the
next time you're shopping for vegetables, note that some broccoli tops appear
purpled than others, meaning they possess a higher level of carotenoids, which
is better for your health.
·
Broccoli slaw: Just use your favorite coleslaw recipe and substitute
the broccoli for cabbage.
·
Raw Broccoli: The most common way of eating raw broccoli is making
salads out of them. Just cut the broccoli florets and put them in a bowl. Now
add onion, raisins, bacon, cheese, mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, salt and
pepper and mix well.
·
Steamed
broccoli:
Steam the broccoli for some time till it is softened. Sauté it for a minute on
medium flame. Add some olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper to add flavor. Top
with a little lemon juice and chilli flakes.
·
Stir
Fry: Heat oil
and add the broccoli florets. Stir fry for 5 minutes until crisp. In a small
bowl, mix soy sauce, cornstarch, honey, ginger and pepper sauce. Mix this
broccoli and cook till the sauce thickens. Serve hot.
·
Roasted
Broccoli: Toss
some broccoli florets with olive oil, salt and pepper and bake them in the oven
for about 15 minutes (at 200◦C). Take them out from the oven and generously
sprinkle some lemon juice. Try them as individual dish or with brown rice.
·
Broccoli
Shakes: Try
making a healthy and tasty shake by blending broccoli, apples and grapes
together and enjoy the slight-sweet-slight-tangy shake.
Be
creative and enjoy the healthy benefits of broccoli!!
