Health Benefits of Broccoli

Broccoli has been grown since the Roman Empire over 2000 years ago, it wasn’t until the 16th century that in became popular in France and then spread throughout the rest of Europe. In the 20th century broccoli made its way to Boston. Today, we use broccoli in many dishes across numerous cultures.

Broccoli is one of the most popular vegetables found in supermarkets throughout America. Broccoli is an excellent source for Vitamin C. In addition, broccoli also is a very good source for folate and beta carotene. Broccoli also contains significant amounts of minerals such as iron, potassium and calcium and is also rich in proteins.

Broccoli is a rich source for fiber and contains lower amount of calories and provides a sizable amount of essential minerals as well as vitamins. When it comes to basic nutrients, ounce for ounce, boiled broccoli has more vitamin C than an orange and as much calcium as a glass of milk, according to the USDA’s nutrient database. One medium spear has three times more fiber than a slice of wheat bran bread. Broccoli is also one ofthe richest sources of vitamin A in the produce section.

Thomas Jefferson, grew broccoli and has been called the farmer president, he was an avid gardener and collector of new seeds and plants of fruits and vegetables. In 1766 he began keeping detailed notes in his garden book of seeds or seedlings planted in his extensive garden at Monticello, his home near Charlottesville, Virginia. He recorded his planting of broccoli, along with radishes, lettuce, and cauliflower on May 27, 1767.

Broccoli is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family which includes: