by Broken Blade

Created on: July 31, 2009

Broccoli is a common vegetable found all over the U.S. It is a member of the cabbage family and is closely related to cauliflower. It is sold in great supply at grocery stores and markets. Broccoli is loaded with many different nutrients and health benefits. What will be described below are some of the many health benefits and nutrients associated with broccoli.

Broccoli is also a good source of potassium which can help regulate your blood pressure. The vegetable is also rich in fiber which can help in prevention of constipation and is also beneficial to cholesterol reduction. Regular consumption of broccoli can go a long way in preventing breast cancer, hormone cancer, and other cancers which are hormonal in relation because broccoli contains indole-3-carbinol, or I3C.

I3c encourages the increase of good hormones, while it reduces the bad destructive hormones. Broccoli also has sulforaphane which will encourage a higher level of enzymes for cancer prevention. Beta-carotene, found in broccoli will be converted to vitamin A, ultimately destroying free radicals and making cell defense stronger.

Broccoli is also beneficial in the prevention of diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, calcium deficiencies, cancers of the stomach and colon, diabetes, lung cancer, arthritis, and it is also beneficial in slowing down aging and pro-longing life.

Broccoli may not be a favorite vegetable to many people, but there are ways to prepare it, making it tastier. For one thing, broccoli can be added to casseroles. It is also good to eat in salads. You can make soups with broccoli such as Broccoli and Cheese soup. When you prepare broccoli, be careful not to overcook it, or you will lose some of the nutrients that are vital. It is better to steam, stir fry, or microwave broccoli. Since broccoli is related to cabbage, you can substitute broccoli in place of cabbage for coleslaw. Broccoli can also be accompanied with cheese.

Broccoli has so many health benefits that it can't be excluded from the diet. Broccoli is a very important vegetable in longer healthier living. With its vitamins and minerals and its healthy properties like getting rid of free radicals, reducing the risk of cancer, regulating blood pressure, regulating calcium levels and many other benefits, broccoli should not be excluded from any diet. So whenever you are looking for a healthier diet and want to know what foods will help in your purpose to become healthier, broccoli is among the foods you should pick up.

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