Broccoli is over 2,000 years old, it has been around since the Roman Empire, and is native to the Mediterranean region. Broccoli a relative of the cabbage family, it is believed was engineered from cabbage by the ancient Etruscans, who were considered to be horticultural geniuses.

When broccoli was first introduced into England, it was referred to as “Italian asparagus.” Although commercial cultivation of broccoli dates back to the 1500s, it did not become a popular foodstuff in the United States until the early 1920s.

Broccoli is one of the most nutrient rich foods but it is low in calories.

An excellent nutrient source of;

Vitamin A equiv.31 μg (3%)

- beta-carotene361 μg (3%)

- Lutein and zeaxanthin 1121 μg

Thiamine (Vit. B1) 0.071 mg (5%)

Riboflavin (Vit. B2) 0.117 mg (8%)

Niacin (Vit. B3) 0.639 mg (4%)

Pantothenic acid (B5) 0.573 mg (11%)

Vitamin B6 0.175 mg (13%)

Folate (Vit. B9) 63 μg (16%)

Vitamin C 89.2 mg (149%)

Calcium 47 mg (5%)

Iron 0.73 mg (6%)

Magnesium 21 mg (6%)

Phosphorus 66 mg (9%)

Potassium 316 mg (7%)

Zinc 0.41 mg (4%)

and much much more. These vitamins and minerals aren’t just found in trace amounts either.  Broccoli actually contains more Vitamin C than many citrus fruits and higher protein than a sirloin steak on a gram for gram basis. The calcium is much higher than an entire glass of milk. It’s an even richer source of fibre than whole wheat bread.

Broccoli also contains glucosinolates and phyto-chemicals like diindolylmethane  and isothiocyanates that are considered to have anti viral, antibacterial and anticancer effects.

Broccoli has demonstrated it’s remarkable anticancer effects, especially in breast cancer. Glucosinolates, and sulforaphane, boosts the production of an enzyme known to neutralize carcinogens before they trigger tumor growth especially in breast and prostate cancer cells.

Studies have also shown broccoli to increase the ability of the liver to detoxify toxic compounds and decreases the growth of human papillomavirus (a virus linked to cervical cancer).

Studies conducted at the prestigious John Hopkins University showed that broccoli compounds trigger the body to produce a substance (sulforaphane) that, in turn, manufactures enzymes that are powerful cancer fighters.

These cancer fighting compounds are released during the chewing process and are in the highest concentration when the broccoli is raw.

Cooking broccoli will reduce the benefits by up to 80%.

Broccoli is known to be very beneficial in the prevention of heart disease. It is a low-glycemic  index food which helps to normalize blood sugar.

One of the keys to weight loss is controlling the body’s response to insulin. Broccoli also boosts the enzymes which help to detoxify the body. Detoxification leads to weight loss which helps with certain diseases prevention.

But wait it gets even better that that!

Broccoli sprouts are even better than just eating broccoli alone. Sprouts are exceptionally high in nutrients and proteins, this is due to the changes that happen at germination, amazing things happen to seeds when they start to germinate. At a mere 3 days old, they contain at least 20 times as much of disease-fighting anti cancer sulforaphane glucosinolate (SGS) as the mature plant; SGS has been shown to kill tumors.

Just 28 gm or 1 ounce of sprouts has as much SGS as 600 gm or 1 1/4 pounds of broccoli. That’ll save you lots of chewing.

A Japanese pilot study found people who ate about a half cup a day of sprouts lowered their total cholesterol by an average of 15 points, and women in the study raised their good cholesterol by 8 points–in just 1 week.

Broccoli can save your sight, exposure to UV sunlight over time may lead to an eye condition called macular degeneration, which is the number one cause of blindness in the elderly. Researchers at Johns Hopkins determined that broccoli sprouts can protect retinal cells from ultraviolet light damage.

Conclusion:

It has proved to be very high in nutrients and has disease fighting value of amazing proportion. It can stop the growth of tumors and prevents cancer and heart disease. Broccoli is great for detoxification and weight loss. You don’t have to buy it at the health shop either in plastic container you can get it at your local organic grower. Or it can be grown in your garden or in a sprouting jar on your bench.

So is broccoli a super food, I say yes yes yes!

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Eating broccoli raw is the best way to get all the nutrients check out and try this recipe.

Broccoli Delight

1 small head of broccoli finely chopped

1 small head of cauliflower finely chopped

1 avocado Cubed

100 gm Goats feta cubed (Optional)

1/4 cup sunflower seeds

1/4 cup pumpkin seeds

2 green tomatoes finely chopped

Combine all ingredients and serve. This is really nice wrapped

in a lettuce leaf with some humus as a burrito.