Health Benefits of Broccoli
Broccoli is a green vegetable that belongs to the plant species know as Brassica Oleracea. It looks like a miniature tree. It forms part of the family of cruciferous vegetables, which includes cauliflower, red cabbage, purple cabbage, green cabbage, white cabbage, romanesco, kale and brussels sprouts. There are three main varieties of broccoli which are purple cauliflower, sprouting broccoli and calabrese broccoli. Broccoli is full of vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants. The stalk, leaves and florets of the broccoli are all edible. These can be eaten raw or slightly cooked, either lightly steamed or stir fried. The stalk contains the most fibre and the leaves contain the highest cell-protecting antioxidants, Vitamins E and K and calcium. Be careful not to overcook it, otherwise you will lose the vital...