Magic Trees

No, not those magic trees! I'm talkin about broccoli! You may have an idea about broccoli's health benefits, but have you really looked closely at the details? I recently read an article pertaining to antioxidants and the controversy between eating foods that contain them vs. taking vitamins alone as a supplement. It turns out that the antioxidant vitamins contained in these foods may just be markers for showing us the great foods to eat to help us stay healthy, get rid of free radicals, and prevent and fight off potentially deadly diseases! I plan to get more in depth with a whole blog about antioxidants later...maybe tomorrow...but I want to speak more about broccoli today.

Broccoli, per 3 oz serving, contains only about 25 calories but provides 130%D.V. of Vitamin C, 50%D.V. of Vitamin A, contains 3 grams of protein and 4 grams of carbohydrates, with 2 of those grams being fiber! What does this mean? This means that just by eating a small amount, you are getting a nutrient cocktail that gives your body a lot of great stuff! Here's a weight loss tip: try substituting 1 or 2 cups of broccoli for rice or pasta. At home, we have done this, and we found it makes a great base for adding other veggies and meats and tossing it all together to make a warm bowl, add to salads, etc., and half of the carbohydrates in this great veggie are fiber, so you will be able to drop pounds and stay regular. Click on the title of this blog to check out a whole lot of facts about broccoli, the other nutrients and vitamins contained, and some ways to prepare it. I buy a bag of florets which I use raw, microwave, and add to soups, etc. Look for another recipe in my recipe blog soon! Thanks for reading and have a great day!