Have met the humble broccoli?

A vegetable gaining - deservedly so - in popularity, the broccoli contains so many nutrients that it deserves to be featured prominently at our tables. And not just accompanied by dip, as the recipe (pictured here), will show.

Raw broccoli contains vitamins A and E (alpha tocopherol) in modest quantities; vitamin C in quantities similar to that of whole oranges. Its stores of calcium resemble those of whole milk and are generally easier to assimilate. It also contains a good dose of folic acid and selenium, an element that helps to fight off cancers and viruses (among other things).

Looking past its nutritional value, broccoli has some remarquable medicinal attributes. Its sulforaphanes et indoles have veritable anti-tumor properties, especially against breast and colon cancers. Broccoli sprouts contains between ten to a hundred times the protective power of mature broccoli! Need a better reason to include these into your regular diet?

When we eat broccoli, and other members of the cruciferous family, our bodies set in motion a whole series of reactions. These direct and balance the detoxification mecanisms of enzymes and their partners, each having its protective properties, resulting in a natural synergy which optimized our cells' capacity to fight free radicals and potential carcinogens. This explains the important reduction in cancer risks produced by regular cruciferous intake.

Do you want to really take advantage of this knowledge? Grab a broccoli and make a delicious recipe with it! Try this one: Chinese Broccoli with Peanuts (or Almonds). A real pleaser! And so different than the usual broccoli & dip. A very nice way to eat more of this nutritious cruciferous vegetable. And add some broccoli sprouts to your next salad! Bravo!







Photo: Carmella of RFC