Broccoli

Botanically it is known as Brassica oleracea botrytis Linn. It is a fleshy-stemmed green food plant with flowering head. Broccoli probably originated from the wild cabbage common in coastal Europe. Ancestral forms of modern varieties seem to have been domesticated in Italy about the time of Christ.

The broccoli generally grown in Europe is different from that grown in North America. In the U.S. green sprouting varieties are mostly planted as summer annuals. In Europe, a hardier 'cauliflower' head type is grown, harvested in winter and spring, The broccoli grown in America became popular only within recent decades after it was shown that green vegetables have more vitamins that blanched vegetables.

Broccoli grows best in cool weather, in fertile soil, well-drained, amply watered soil. It can endure light frost. Seedlings are grown in glass enclosure and transplanted outdoor for summer harvest or they are planted directly outdoors for autumn harvest. Broccoli is cut before the flower buds open. When the terminal head is removed, small lateral shoots develop. In order to grow perfect heads, it is usually necessary to control cabbage worms, a common pest, by the application of an insecticide that is non-toxic to humans. Broccoli is very rich in vitamins A, B and C. It also contains potassium.

Benefit and uses of Broccoli.

• Broccoli contains phytochemicals--sulforaphane and the indoles--with significant anti-cancer effects.
• Broccoil help a lowered risk of heart disease, stroke and cataracts.
• Lowered cholesterol because of the high fibre content.
• A broccoil diet containing a large number and diversity of crucifer vegetables, in addition to helping fight cancer, would have the added benefit of providing many vitamins and minerals needed in a healthy diet.
• Broccoli is low in calories, high in vitamin C, and a good source of both folate and vitamin A. Broccoli also contains phytochemicals that may help protect eyesight and prevent cancer.
• Broccoil cruciferous vegetables apparently can reduce the risk of cancer by inducing extra protection of the enzymes involved in detoxifying carcinogens and flushing them out of the body.
• A cup of broccoli gives you 10% of your daily iron requirement, and the vitamin C content helps the body to absorb the iron.