Health Benefits Broccoli Sprouts

Birth of Broccoli

Broccoli is closely related to cauliflower and a member of the cabbage family. This vegetable was first grown in Italy. It is composed of two types of textures--the stalk of the broccoli is often hard and the sprouts of the broccoli are soft. While it may give off an unappealing odor when being prepared, it actually has a appealing taste when dressed up with butter and spices.

Steamed broccoli is loaded with vitamins A, K and C. There is a good amount of folate, important for pregnant women as it helps prevent anemia in pregnancy. There's also dietary fiber, which helps deter constipation; manganese, which build a cells ability to resist free radical-damage; and potassium, which helps to lower the risk of high blood pressure. Other nutrients found in broccoli include magnesium, protein and iron, just to name a few.

The American Cancer Society reports vegetables such as broccoli "help regulate a complex system of bodily enzymes that defend against cancer." There is evidence to support broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables can inhibit and even stop the tumors from growing in such vital places as the breast, the lungs and the liver. Therefore, broccoli and broccoli sprouts should be enlisted as a regular part of your diet in a lifelong effort to ward off cancer.

Sprinkling three-day old broccoli sprouts in a salad can provide you with sulforaphane, an antioxidant helpful in detoxifying harmful enzymes. Broccoli sprouts enhance protection against the damage done as a result of a reduction of oxygen. As people age, their lung capacity decreases, leading to conditions associated with COPD. Broccoli sprouts can slow this down by keeping the lungs strong and younger than the years otherwise dictate.

Broccoli is a healthy ingredient to add to almost any dish. You can sprinkle broccoli sprouts on anything from your favorite salmon, to chicken breasts. Steam them in a pot and serve them along with other vegetables. Try mixing them into your favorite cheese spreads. Whatever you choose, eat broccoli on a daily basis because it may translate into adding years to your life.