Broccoli: Why does moms all over the world want us to eat this vegetable?

Broccoli has been around for more than 2000 years, The name "broccoli" comes for the Latin word brachium, which means "branch," or "arm." Americans have grown it in their gardens for only about 200 years! The first commercially grown broccoli was grown and harvested in New York, then planted in the 1920's in California. 

Fresh vs. Frozen - FRESH IS BETTER

Packaged frozen broccoli differs from fresh in its nutrient content. The flower buds or florets are richer in beta-carotene than the stalks. Manufactures typically cut off most of the stalk before packaging it, so frozen broccoli may contain 35% more beta-carotene by weight than fresh broccoli. The downside is that frozen broccoli has twice as much sodium as fresh (up to 68 mg per 10 oz. package), about half the calcium, and smaller amounts of iron, thiamin, riboflavin, and vitamin C.

The best way to cook broccoli is to steam, cook in the microwave or stir-fry with a little broth or water. These methods are better than boiling. Some of the vitamin and mineral content are lost from the vegetable and end up in the cooking water when they are boiled. 

A high intake of broccoli has been found to reduce the risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Broccoli consumption has also been shown to be beneficial in the prevention of heart disease 

Cooked Broccoli Serving size 1/2 cup cooked (78g) Amounts Per Serving % Daily Value Calories 25 Calories from Fat 5 Total Fat 0g 0% Cholesterol 0mg 0% Sodium 30mg 1% Total Carbohydrate 6g 2%   Dietary Fiber 3g 11%   Sugars 1g Protein 2g Vitamin A 30% Vitamin C 80% Calcium 4% Iron 2% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Raw Broccoli Serving size 1/2 cup raw (36g) Amounts Per Serving % Daily Value Calories 10 Calories from Fat 0 Total Fat 0g 0% Cholesterol 0mg 0% Sodium 10mg 0% Total Carbohydrate 2g 1%   Dietary Fiber 1g 4%   Sugars 1g Protein 1g Vitamin A 20% Vitamin C 60% Calcium 2% Iron 2% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Source: http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/month/broccoli.html