by Lady Z

Created on: August 26, 2008

Not many people are ardent fans of broccoli due to its acquired taste and distinctive looks. In fact, some of us might not even know how to cook it or what to mix it with. A family member of cruciferous vegetable, broccoli is similar to cauliflower except that it is green in colour. Sometimes you can even see yellow flowers springing from the buds if broccoli is left to grow!

The infamous broccoli earns its name for being a powerful antioxidant, which provides protection in our bodies against the damaging effects of free radicals. Basically, free radicals are produced in the process of creating energy in the body but excess of the latter may prove to be vital to one's health as they may cause cell damage which may result in cancer and other illnesses. It is also believed that the latter aids in the aging process. Smoking, pollution, stress, sunlight and radiation are major contributor of excess free radicals. In addition, free radicals have the tendency to oxidize polyunsaturated fats in the body, as oxidization of LDL cholesterol may be a factor in the build-up of plaque in the arteries. Hence, this may result in further damages to the body.

The function of antioxidant is simply to neutralize the free radicals in our body and stop them from producing their damaging effects. This can be done through the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables which have high content of Vitamin C, E and beta-carotene.
In this case, the broccoli is a perfect example of an antioxidant as it contains all the mentioned components.

Beta-carotene and Vitamin C in broccoli play a protective role in maintaining a healthy immune system. Besides, Vitamin C also helps in the healing process of fractured bones and repairing wounds and tissues. Through the consumption of broccoli, the risk of heart disease is reduced, as a significant amount of Vitamin C presents in the body will lower the blood pressure.

Broccoli is also rich in calcium especially when it is lightly boiled. As we are aware that calcium is an essentially needed in the development of bone and teeth, it is important for everyone to have an adequate calcium intake throughout their lives. For infants, it is essential o ensure that a peak bone mass is reached in order to sustain them to adulthood. Where women are concerned, calcium is needed especially later in their lives to prevent osteoporosis. In gist, calcium is badly needed for in order for our muscles and nerve functions to run smoothly.

For people with iron deficiency especially

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