I remember as a kid being FORCED to eat broccoli. I swore that when I grew up, I’d NEVER, EVER eat those little green trees again. Well, like my positions on boy bands and the indispensability of paste, it turns out I was wrong.
In fact, broccoli has become one of my favorite foods. (And luckily, with Full Circle’s organic produce delivery, it regularly appears on my doorstep!)
Aside from its crunchy good taste, broccoli is “super” in a number of ways.
Jam-packed with vitamins
One of the most nutritious vegetables, broccoli is a “mother lode” of basic nutrients, according to CNN.
The USDA’s nutrient database suggests boiled broccoli has more vitamin C than an orange; its calcium content is comparable to a glass of milk. In addition, broccoli boasts vitamin A (mostly as beta-carotene), fiber, magnesium and a healthy dose of folic acid.
The “little green trees” have the ability to combat depression, improve bone strength and aid digestion, among other benefits.
And according to a paper published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, broccoli is also steeped in “isothiocyanates,” biochemicals that inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Low calorie, high energy
A perfect healthy snack, broccoli clocks in at 27 calories per half cup, with less than 1g of fat. As long as you don’t deep-fry your florets (or drown them in cheese whiz), broccoli is a great alternative to more conventional, processed snacks.
Recipes & variation
On allrecipes.com, there are 1134 recipes for “broccoli,” including Broccoli Coleslaw, Broccoli Cashew Salad and Broccoli Potato Soup. With that many variations, you can eat broccoli three times a day and never repeat a meal for at least a year.
Expense
Broccoli is one of the more reasonably priced fresh vegetables at around $1 per pound for florets, according to the USDA.
Good looks
The antioxidants in broccoli cleanse and purify your skin, keeping it smooth and healthy. Broccoli also contains glucoraphanin, an organic compound that helps detoxify and repair skin cells.
What’s your favorite way to eat broccoli? Steam it or eat it raw? Let us know in the comments! Looking for a Meatless Mondays recipe to incorporate this crunchy cruciferous veggie? Try our Pasta Primavera recipe!