Broccoli is one of the most nutritious vegetable, belonging to the cruciferous vegetable family. It contains ample of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and proteins that are crucial for good health. Include it regularly in your diet to enjoy the tremendous benefits of Broccoli. Steam cooking for five minutes is the best way of cooking to ensure that it is made available to your body.
Broccoli appears like a green cauliflower with small and large florets, colour ranging from deep green to purplish green. It can be stored in refrigerator for a week, until it becomes mushy and yellow.
Let’s have a glimpse at the miracles caused by Broccoli which can help us in reducing the use of drugs that have countless side effects.
Reasons to include it in your regimen
Cholesterol lowering effect
Broccoli contains about 2.4 g of soluble fiber which plays a key role in lowering the cholesterol levels in the body. The soluble fiber binds with bile acids in the gut and excrete them in the feces which otherwise will lead to cholesterol formation. The soluble fiber also controls diabetes. Thereby offers protection against cardiovascular diseases.Controls Blood pressure
Broccoli contains potassium 13 %, Magnesium 8 % and calcium 6 % which is much indispensable for defending our body against Hypertension.Boosts immunity
Broccoli is a powerhouse of antioxidant, which is great in phytonutrient kaempferol that confer anti-inflammatory protection against many .diseases. They also boost the immune power of our body to battle against diseases. Apart from this, kaempferol plays a main role in alleviating arthritic pain.Eyes and Skin
Broccoli contains a green pigment called lutein which is significant to our eyes health. Replenishes our skin, repairs the damaged ones, detoxifies the old ones and ensures faster production of new cells.Cancer prevention
The triad effect of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and detoxicant makes Broccoli a wonder food for cancer. Broccoli also contains the compound glucoraphanin, which can be processed into an anti-cancer compound sulforaphane which is extensively used in the preparation of cancer drugs.How to include broccoli in your diet?
- Steam cook broccoli and tomato (totally 50 gms) in equal amounts for a few minutes (5-7 minutes).
- Mash it well with a ladle until it becomes a paste.
- Add warm water, pepper powder, and a little olive oil.
- If you need a sour taste, also squeeze little lemon over the soup.
- A nutritious soup full of nutrients to enjoy in your hustle bustle lifestyle.
Image Credit: Flickr/ Steven Depolo