Broccoli is a member of the cabbage family, and is closely related to cauliflower. Its cultivation originated in Italy. Broccolo, its Italian name, means 'cabbage sprout.' Because of its different components, broccoli provides a range of tastes and textures, from soft and flowery (the floret) to fibrous and crunchy (the stem and stalk). Do not let the smell of the sulfur compounds that are released while cooking keep you away from this highly nutritious vegetable.
Benefits
Cancer: Broccoli may prove to be a natural wonder-drug
for many types of cancer, including breast cancer, cancer of uterus,
prostrate cancer, cancers of internal organs like lungs, colon, liver,
kidneys etc. and cancer of intestines. But it is particularly good for
breast cancer and uterus cancer, as it removes extra estrogen from the body.
This is due to the presence of strong anti-carcinogens like glucoraphanin,
diindolylmethane, beta-carotene, selenium and other nutrients like
vitamin-C, vitamin-A and vitamin-E, zinc, potassium and certain amino acids,
which are also good anti-cancer agents.
Detoxification: The presence of vitamin-C, sulphur and
certain amino acids make broccoli a very good detoxifier. It helps remove
free radicals and toxins like uric acid from the body, thereby purifying
blood and keeping away problems related with toxins such as boils, itches,
rashes, gout, arthritis, rheumatism, renal calculi, skin diseases like
eczema and hardening of skin etc.
Stomach Disorders: Broccoli is very rich in fiber or
roughage, the best thing which can cure almost all the stomach disorders by
curing constipation, since constipation is the root to almost all the
stomach disorders. The fiber forms the bulk of the food, retains water and
forms the bowels. The magnesium and the vitamins present in the broccoli
also cure acidity, facilitate proper digestion and absorption of nutrients
from the food and soothe the stomach by reducing inflammation.
Skin Care: The credit for keeping your skin glowing and
young goes to expert anti-oxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin-C and
other helpers like vitamin B complex, vitamin E (the one that gives shine to
your skin, hair etc. and revives skin tissues), vitamin A & K, omega 3 fatty
acids (adds glamour), amino acids and folate present in the broccoli. They
take very good care of your skin.
Heart Diseases: Apart from the anti-oxidants mentioned
above, broccoli has very high fiber content, beta-carotene, omega-3 fatty
acids and other vitamins which help reduce bad cholesterol as well as keep
the heart functioning properly by regulating the blood-pressure.
Eye Care & Cataract: Primarily Zeaxanthin and then
Beta-carotene, vitamin A, phosphorus and other vitamins such as Bcomplex, C
and E present in Broccoli are very good for ocular health. These substances
protect eyes against Macular degeneration, cataract and repair damages from
UV radiations.
Immunity: The substances responsible for green and
purple color of broccoli, vitamin C, beta-carotene and other vitamins and
minerals, particularly selenium, copper, zinc, phosphorus, etc., present in
broccoli are really great immune-strengtheners. They protect you from
