Melissa’s favourite Vegetable

Broccoli

(one of) Melissa’s favourite Vegetables

Anyone who knows me will know I LOVE BROCCOLI!

It hasn’t always been the most famous green (or my favourite) but it is now being hailed as a “super food”.

Broccoli belongs to the cruciferous family of vegetables along with kale, cauliflower and cabbage.

It is a good source of:

* Vitamin c

* Folate

* Vitamin K

* Calcium

* Fibre

* Beta carotene

* And other antioxidants

Broccoli has a high nutrient content and a low calories which makes it ideal for people watching their weight.

One of the antioxidants that broccoli is rich in is called sulforaphane – this has been shown to have a protective effect on the breakdown of cartilage cells which makes it ideal for people suffering from osteoarthritis.

Remember the recommended daily intake of vegetables is 5 a day. (http://www.nutritionaustralia.org/national/resource/australian-dietary-guidelines-recommended-daily-intakes)

I include broccoli in my diet in a variety of ways:

• Add to a green smoothie
• Dip (raw) into hummus
• Make a broccoli pesto dip
• Stir into curries, stir fry and pasta sauces
• Steam and eat with protein (and other vegetables)

Information from www.myosteolife.com.au