From former one term presidents to cartoon characters, broccoli has been the nemesis to countless picky eaters who have trouble swallowing down this peculiar tasting super food that comes loaded with so many health benefits.
Who knows why so many people find this dark green cruciferous plant from the cabbage family so appalling.
Sure, there is smell and texture of cooked broccoli that makes it taste nothing like a tasty cheeseburger (even after you cover it in cheese) and the fact that pretty much everything that actually ends up being good for you always seem to taste like, well broccoli.
Broccoli is indeed a acquired taste, but a taste that definitely should be acquired.
This green little tree like plant is packed with so many different vitamins, minerals, antioxidant, omega 3 fatty acids, phytonutrients, beneficial enzymes, fiber and other components, it should almost be a law to eat it.
When health experts talk about superfoods that people must eat, broccoli is most often the first thing on their list and for good reason.
Here are some of the benefits that come with pinching your nose and eating that broccoli that was put on your plate.
Broccoli detoxifies Broccoli is packed with vitamins and amino acids that assist the body in getting rid of toxins that would otherwise stick around in the bloodstream and liver and wreak havoc.
Its powerful spectrum of antioxidants also helps cleanse the blood of damaging free radicals, helping keep cancerous tumors from developing.
Great for mothers to be Perhaps why your mom liked to shove broccoli down your throat was because she knew firsthand how beneficial it was for her when she was lugging you around.
With its high amounts of calcium, folic acid, iron, phosphorous, detoxifiers and vitamins broccoli is said to be the ideal vegetable for pregnant women to eat.
Broccoli can help mothers to be maintain regular tissue growth making for a healthier and happier baby.
Heart Healthy Broccoli is an important source of fiber and can help control blood cholesterol levels leading to better heart health.
It is also a good source of chromium and potassium which, along with fiber, can help control blood sugar and blood pressure.
Too many health benefits to list Along with helping the heart and being great for pregnant women, research has found broccoli to be beneficial with a large number of other medical conditions including cancer, Alzheimer's, diabetes, osteoporosis and arthritis.
It is also a great vegetable for people who find themselves vitamin deficient.
So now you know why broccoli is a taste you should try to acquire.
The best way to eat it is either raw or steamed which helps preserve the nutrients (and also keeps it from being to stinky).