Love it or hate it, broccoli is a powerhouse of mental nutrition. Yes, those same little green trees you pushed around on your plate as a kid are actually proven to have a profound impact on your brain. Considered one of the world’s healthiest foods, this vegetable is a good source of dietary fiber, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin E, manganese, phosphorus, choline, vitamin B1, vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids), potassium, copper, vitamin B1, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, zinc, calcium, iron, niacin and selenium….the list goes on and on.
In short, broccoli has a ton of Vitamin K (which helps strengthen cognitive abilities) and Choline (which has been found to improve memory.) Not to mention, this vegetable is a foodie favorite because it adds a fresh vegetal crunch to any dish and the leafy absorbent head is a great vehicle for flavor. So eat it up, your brain will thank you.
Can’t get enough this cruciferous delight? Here’s some broccoli trivia for you! Did you know:
- Broccoli is really a very large flower top, picked before it blooms.
- Broccoli was cultivated in Italy, in ancient Roman times, from wild cabbage.
- Broccoli was first introduced to the United States by Italian immigrants but did not become widely known until the 1920s. (source)
Here Are 5 Non-Yucky Broccoli Recipes:
1. Spinach Broccoli Soup with Garlic and Cilantro
Velvety smooth and oooh so good. Get the recipe HERE.
2. Broccoli with Seriously Cheesy Sauce
How can something be bad when it’s covered in that much cheddar? Recipe HERE.
3. Caramelized Broccoli with Garlic
Like caramelized onions? You’ll love caramelized broccoli! Get the recipe HERE.
4. Grilled Broccoli and Bacon Skewers
Pork fat makes everything better. Get the recipe HERE.
5. Classic Beef & Broccoli
Learn how to make your favorite take out dish HERE.