Broccoli offers the highest levels of protection against prostate cancer in the Brassica family.  The vegetable comes in several varieties, but the darker the color, the more nutrients the vegetable contains. It contains sulforaphane and indoles, which have strong anticancer effects , particularity against breast and colon cancer.  Broccoli is also high in flavonoids , which have been linked with a significant reduction in ovarian cancer. The chemicals contained in broccoli protect against stomach ulcers, stomach and lung cancer  and possibly skin cancer. They also act as detoxifier, helping lower ‘bad’ cholesterol, boosting the immune system and protecting against cataracts.

The lutein and zeaxanthin, contained in broccoli,  help prevent macular degeneration, a medical condition which usually affects older adults resulting  in a loss of vision in the center of the visual field (the macula) because of damage to the retina.

The high calcium content helps build and protect bones

Broccoli is an excellent  source  of the antioxdiants  vitamin C  and  sellenium

When buying broccoli look for heads rich with colour  and avoid any broccoli with pale yellow  or brown patches on the florets

Broccoli should be lightly steamed, as too much cooking destroys its nutrients.

100 g of  broccoli contains

• 34   kcalories
• 0.4 g fat
• 2.8 g protein
• 6.6 g carbohydrate
• 2.6 g fibre
• 89 mg vitamin C
• 2.5 mcg  selenium
• 361 mcg beta-carotene
• 47 mg  calcium
• 1403 mcg Lutein/Zeaxanthin