Foods to Eat in 2012: Broccoli

Moms have been touting the power of broccoli for ages. Ex-president Bush was not a fan. Gisele’s son thinks it’s dessert. Me? Frankly, I love it!  We all know we should eat it; but do you know why?

Nutrients

Beta carotene
Calcium
Fiber
Folate
Iron
Magnesium
Phosphorus
Vitamins B2, B3 B5 & C

What does this mean?

It means that broccoli is incredible for your digestive system, helps the liver and serves to detox. This 2012, when you’re trying to drop a few of those holiday pounds, add a little broccoli to your diet. Since broccoli will help your liver to work at full potential, your body will be in overall better condition and will absorb more nutrients from your meals.

Some Broccoli Tips

Don’t buy broccoli that is starting to yellow.
Eat your broccoli within two days of purchase.
Folate stimulates the release of serotonin, this means it will make you happy.
Women on birth control have lower folate levels, which can result in anemia (broccoli is loaded with folate).
The best way to eat broccoli is raw, but if you like to cook it a bit…just steam it.

How to Eat It?

However you like. Although raw gives the most benefits, introduce into your routine any way you like.

Steam some broccoli and melt some butter. Season the broccoli with salt and pepper, add the melted butter and spritz with lemon.

You can also warm a little olive oil in a pan and add sliced garlic. When it starts to color, add some red pepper flakes, the steamed broccoli and sautee for a minute or so. If you’re feeling saucy, sprinkle with parmesan.