We hate to have to break the news to you, but Mom was right: it turns out that broccoli is basically a food superstar. Still, while we give mom props for always looking out for us, that doesn’t mean her mushy, limp side dish did this nutrient-packed veggie justice. (Yeah. Sorry, mom.) So here’s why it’s worth it to give broccoli another go:
- Broccoli is full of potassium and folate—which helps prevent anemia—and it also gives you solid doses of vitamins A, C, and B6.
- It’s a major cancer fighter. (Key word here: major.) Broccoli contains something called sulforaphane, which may help combat prostate, liver, lung, bladder, skin, and stomach cancer. Plus it’s rich in compounds that boost healthy tumor suppressors—and destroy ineffective ones.
- Broccoli is great fuel, because with 5 grams of fiber per cup, it helps you fill up fast.
- And (drumroll please…) “it’s virtually fat- and sodium-free, and only weighs in at about 55 calories per cup,” says Elisa Zied, R.D., a registered dietician in New York City.
Hungry? Thought so. Luckily, we’ve got five easy ways you can add broccoli to your diet—no mushy side dishes included.
