Top 20 Healing Foods- Broccoli

 

 

Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable, a member of the cabbage family, and one of the most potent anti-cancer foods.  The sulfur compounds in broccoli signal our genes to boost production of enzymes that detoxify cancer-causing compounds.  Eating broccoli regularly and you can slash your risk of cancer by as much as half. 

 

It is loaded with nutrients. One stalk has as much vitamin C as two oranges and as much fiber as a bowl of healthy breakfast cereal. It is a great source of non-dairy calcium, and is high in potassium.

BROCCOLI
Key Nutrients:
Anticancer compounds
Beta-carotene
Calcium
Fiber
Folate
Vitamin C

 

My favorite way to eat broccoli is steamed crisp and topped with Annie's Goddess Dressing.  If you haven't tried this delicious dressing yet, you're really missing out.  It's great on salads, roasted or steamed veggies, chicken, and on rice and other grain dishes. 

 

 

 

If you want something a little more exciting than steamed broccoli, give this creamy soup recipe a go.   It's made with pantry staples so you can probably whip some up without a trip to the store.  And I've been told that even broccoli haters love it! :)

 

BROCCOLI SOUP

 

photo source

 

 

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped

2 (10 ounce) packages chopped frozen broccoli, thawed

1 potato, peeled and chopped

4  cups chicken or vegetable broth

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

parmesan cheese and chopped herbs for garnish, optional

salt and pepper to taste

 

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan, and saute onion and garlic until tender. Mix in broccoli, potato, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes, until vegetables are tender.

 

With a hand mixer or in a blender, puree the mixture until smooth. Return to the saucepan, and reheat. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.