I know what you’re thinking–’I'm not a fan of broccoli’. ‘I’ve never liked the little trees’, ‘My mom forced me to eat broccoli as a kid, so I won’t eat them now’–well put those negative thoughts aside. Broccoli is actually quite good for you and it’s time to give it a try!
This unique little green vegetable is a cruciferous green and with just a little bit of research and a few facts, you will understand why broccoli is truly best. You’ll find that a little bit of work will show you exactly how tasty this healthy vegetable can be!
One of the first things you should be aware of is that broccoli is a real powerhouse because it is loaded with vitamins. It contains large doses of vitamin C and vitamin A, as well as calcium, fiber, and folic acid. This little green vegetable is an important source of calcium, which can help you build strong bones, control high blood pressure and contribute to the fight against colon cancer. You’ll also find that broccoli is instrumental when it comes to a reduced risk for serious conditions including heart disease, cancers and even cataracts.
So now that you have done your research, let’s talk about eating this great vegetable. Many people make faces when it comes to this vegetable, but with some serious taste tests and considerations, you’ll realize that that’s just a left-over artifact from your childhood. While this vegetable is quite tasty when it has been steamed on its own, you’ll find that there are many ways to incorporate it into a healthy diet. Many will enjoy this ‘little tree’ raw with ranch dressing but to get best results, steam your broccoli until it is tender but still quite green; this gives you both a lovely looking food as well as a bit of crunch.
One of the most famously tasty ways to eat broccoli is to steam it, and then drizzle some melted cheese over it. Children tend to love this treat, but you’ll find that as an adult, you’ll be able to appreciate the gentle crunch of the broccoli as well as the kind of cheese that you put on top. Sharp cheddar is a traditional favorite, but you’ll also have some great results with pepperjack, and, if you have a taste for it, bleu cheese.
Another form to eat broccoli is steaming it and then puree it. I use this little trick with my children. Many times they just don’t want to eat anything green, so by blending the broccoli into a puree, I then add to sauce. I usually add it to spaghetti sauce, because children love spaghetti. This is a wonderful way to enjoy the benefits of broccoli and ease your taste buds into enjoying broccoli.
So, there’s really no reason to fear broccoli, so take some time and add some of this versatile veggie to your diet!
Until next time,
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh I love broccoli! I put it on salads, eat it raw with ranch dressing, chop it up and put it on baked potatoes and steam it with cheese sauce. Yummy!
I love broccoli and can’t wait till I’m off Coumadin and can eat it again!
Great site you have here! I think Broccoli is really important to include in your diet, especially for women. It has proven to reduce the risk of breast cancer, due to the component of indole carbinole-3, found in all cruciferous veggies. Great idea about the puree trick!