Can’t Beat the Benefits of the Healthy Broccoli!

My husband and I argue at least twice every week, more specifically the day broccoli features in our menu. His take on this green vegetable is that it’s fit only for goats and cows and not meant for human consumption. As long as my kids don’t hear his rants, I tend to forgive him and let go of the matter rather than try to instill some sense into his thick skull. But no matter how loud or long he protests, broccoli is a regular at our house, for all the reasons that I’ve detailed below:
· It belongs to the cruciferous family of vegetables which has been known to prevent cancer because of the presence of phytochemicals that increase the activity of certain enzymes in our body that help crush cancer-forming agents.
· It is the most nutritious vegetable known to man
· It is rich in Vitamins A and C, both of which have anti-oxidant properties and are necessary for preventing eye diseases, cardiac complaints and keeping cancer at bay. Vitamin C helps ease the symptoms of a cold and also helps your body absorb iron better and faster. Anti oxidants destroy free radicals which weaken your cells and make them more prone to cancer.
· It is a rich source of calcium and is the ideal supplement for those who are vegans and don’t consume dairy products. It helps prevent and delay the onset of osteoporosis and other bone diseases.
· It contains folic acid which is a necessity for women who are trying to get pregnant or who are already pregnant to prevent abnormalities in the baby’s growth.
· It is rich in fiber, both the soluble and insoluble kind.
· It helps control high blood pressure because of its high potassium content
· It is especially effective in preventing lung, colon, bladder, ovarian, prostate and breast cancer.
· It helps reduce cholesterol
· It contains chromium which helps regulate your blood sugar levels and the production of insulin.
· It helps prevent the formation of ulcers
· It boosts your immune system and improves your chances of fighting viral infections.
· When combined with tomatoes, broccoli is especially powerful in helping to prevent prostate cancer.
· It reduces the hardening of arteries and boosts the function of your heart
· It helps prevent leukemia and lymphoma in children when consumed by pregnant women.
· It boosts DNA repair in cells.
· It is a good source of Vitamins K, E and B6
· It helps in losing weight in a healthy way
In order to get the maximum benefits from this wonder vegetable, choose the freshest stalks you can find and steam them before serving as part of a meal. Believe me, it’s the fastest route you can take to good health.
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This article is contributed by Sarah Scrafford, who regularly writes on the topic of ultra sound tech. She invites your questions, comments and freelancing job inquiries at her email address: sarah.scrafford25@gmail.com.