Nutrition

Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable, which means it's related to cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, green cauliflower, etc. I'll rap to you later about cruciferous vegetables, phytochemicals, anti-oxidants, and super vegetables!

Broccoli is a SUPER VEGETABLE, a dark green leafy vegetable that is loaded with nutrients that keep you strong and healthy. Broccoli is rich in vitamin C and vitamin K. Vitamin C helps keep your immune system strong, and vitamin K helps thin your blood. Broccoli also contains fiber, which aids in digestion and can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels in your blood. Broccoli also contains folate and potassium. Folate helps maintain a healthy heart, and potassium helps maintain healthy blood pressure.

One-half cup of raw or cooked broccoli counts as one serving of your 5 A Day and contains just 15 calories, which makes broccoli a low calorie food you can "indulge" in any time, anywhere! Plus, like other vegetables, broccoli is naturally low in sodium and contains no fat or cholesterol.

Like other darkly colored fruits and vegetables, broccoli contains substances called phytochemicals, which may help keep our bodies healthy. Some of the phytochemicals in broccoli include beta-carotene, lutein ("loo-teen"), indoles ("in-doles"), and isothiocyanates ("I-so-thigh-oh-sigh-uh-nates"). What a mouthful! But it's a mouthful of crunchy, great-tasting, good-for-you broccoli!

Include some broccoli in your 5 A Day today!