Goodness of Broccoli

Though broccoli is difficult to get in the market, but all good supermarkets have it. Though kids hate the vegetable, but this miracle food can be wonders to your health.

Broccoli belongs to the cauliflower family. Compared to the white cauliflower broccoli is bright green in colour and has a mildly bitter flavor, so that is the reason most kids hate it. But it is a nutritional power house. Broccoli has good amount of fibre and Vitamins A and K. So it is good for the eyes, digestive system, heart, muscles and bones. Broccoli also contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps fight free radicals and keeps the common cold at bay. It has potassium, which keeps your nervous system and muscles up and running. It keeps BP under control, while its calcium will keep the bone healthy. Beta carotene, zinc and selenium ensure a good immune system. Broccoli also has cancer fighting properties. For the vegetable to get nicely digested in the body chew it properly.

Pick up the vegetable when it is fresh and tender. The flower and the stalk should be tender and fresh. The floret should be dark green or purplish green then only it is high in beta-carotene and vitamin C. If you don’t mind the taste of it, you can just steam it and have it with a dash of salt and pepper. To get the full nutritional value, do not overcook broccoli. The best way to have the goodness of the vegetable is to steam or stir fry it.

Always store broccoli in an open plastic bag at the bottom of the refrigerator. Do not wash broccoli before storing, as the moisture can make it age and even spoil faster.