SUPERFOOD of the Week - Broccoli

Food Facts:
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable, related to cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and kale
(yeah… these are all really healthy!). Why should you care though? Well, let’s just put it this way- these vegetables have sulfur compounds which have been shown to prevent cancer tumor growth.

Check out this study from Oregon State University:
http://oregonstate.edu/ua/ncs/archives/2007/may/eat-your- broccoli-study- finds-strong- anti-cancer-properties- cruciferous-veggies

Besides fighting cancer, broccoli is high in a number of nutrients including vitamins C, K and iron and potassium. Broccoli is also a decent source of calcium- 40 mg in one cup raw isn’t bad for the plant world! One cup of raw broccoli has only about 30 calories and 2.5 grams of fiber. 
The best way to prepare it?
Well, any way you will eat it! If cooking, try lightly steaming or sautéing to preserve the nutrients. If you have a thyroid disorder, go more for cooked broccoli since raw can aggravate thyroid issues in large amounts.

Your Recipe:

Sesame broccoli
Ingredients:

• 1 1 ⁄ 2 lbs broccoli (1 bunch, 2
• or 3 stalks)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons sesame
• seeds, toasted in dry skillet
• 1 tablespoon lower sodium soy sauce

Directions:

1. Prepare the broccoli for cooking. Boil, steam and drain. Please DO NOT over cook! Generally 6-8 minutes to steam or boil is about right for crisp broccoli.
2. Heat the sesame oil on a skillet or wok for 15 seconds over high heat.
3. Add the sesame seeds and the broccoli.
4. Stir fry until heated through.
5. Remove from the pan to a serving dish, pour soy sauce over.

Source: www.food.com

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