This green crispy vegetable enjoys the special status of being one of the most nutritious vegetables in the world of healthy vegetables.
Botanically, Broccoli belongs to the cabbage family which is collectively known as cruciferous vegetables. It’s also closely related to cauliflower. Its cultivation originated in Italy. It’s Italian name Broccolo, means, “cabbage sprout.”
President George Herbert Walker Bush’s war on broccoli is still talked about. On March 22, 1990, he told members of the press (to quote the New York Times) “I don’t like broccoli. And I haven’t liked it since I was a little kid and my mother made me eat it. And I’m President of the United States, and I’m not going to eat any more broccoli!” The president never ever wanted to see another sprig of broccoli on his plate, whether he was on Air Force One or at the White House or anywhere else in the land.
If we look at the health benefits of this wonderful vegetable, we will realize that his mother was not wrong! You love it or hate it, but can’t beat its nutritious benefits. Some of them are listed below.
Health related benefits of eating Broccoli:
Broccoli’s miraculous nutrients list includes vitamin C, vitamin A, Calcium, folic acid and fiber.
Healthy Eyes: It’s a good source of vitamin A that is needed to form retinal. This light-absorbing molecule is essential for both low-light and color vision.
Improved Immune System: This wonder veggie aids the immune system with a large dose of beta-carotene. Minerals, such as zinc and selenium help to strengthen immune defense actions.
Fights Birth Defect: Lack of folic acid during pregnancy may result in birth defects. This vegetable contains folic acid which is highly recommended during pregnancy.
Prevent Colds: One cup of broccoli contains large dose of vitamin C. This antioxidant is necessary to fight against free radicals. Moreover, vitamin C is an effective antihistamine for easing the discomfort of the common cold.
Strong Bones: It also contains high levels of both calcium and vitamin K, resulting in healthy bones, which helps to prevent osteoporosis.
Healthy Heart: If you steam it, Broccoli can provide you with some special cholesterol-lowering element which can prevent or slow down the thickening of arteries in the human body, thus fighting against heart disease and stroke. The B6 and foliate reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke.
Reduce Cancer Risk: Scientists in England are in the process of creating a type of super-broccoli that has an enhanced ability to reduce the risk of cancer.
Healthy nervous system: The high potassium content helps in maintaining a healthier nervous system. It also in helps the human brain to function optimally.
It can be used in various ways to make tasty, healthy food. I am giving you an easy recipe to make broccoli and almond soup which can be prepared in a jiffy.
Method of Preparation
Serves 6
Preparation time: 15 minutes.
Cooking time: 15 minutes.
Ingredients:
- Butter 25g
- Onion, chopped 1
- Broccoli, cut into florets 500g
- Grounded almonds 40g
- Vegetable/chicken stock 900ml
- Milk 300ml
- Salt and paper as per taste
To garnish:
- Butter 15g
- Yogurt 6 tablespoons
- Flaked almonds
Step 1: Take a saucepan and heat butter. Add onion and stir fry for approximately 5 minutes till it softens.
Step 2: Stir in broccoli. Add grounded almonds, stock, salt and pepper.
Step 3: Cover it after first boil and let it simmer until the broccoli is tender. Let it cool slightly. Then puree in a blender.
Step 4: Now pour this puree back in saucepan and add milk.
Step 5: Heat the butter for garnishing in a frying pan. Add the almonds and fry them golden. Now ladle the soup into bowls. Drizzle a spoonful of yogurt and garnish it with fried almonds.
