We are all familiar with broccoli and may have heard about its anticancer properties. It is a vegetable that in the spring and fall, can be found at locally grown farmer’s markets. It is high in vitamin A and the B vitamins which are important for a normal functioning nervous system, healthy skin and hair, metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins plus myriad other biochemical reactions in the body. It also contains more vitamin C than citrus and is a good source of potassium. Lightly cooking broccoli will retain vitamins and minerals as well as chlorophyll content (what makes broccoli green and nutritious) which helps counteract gas formation.
Broccoli is a goitrogen which means it disrupts the body’s ability to use iodine. Iodine is necessary for producing thyroid hormone. If you are hypothyroid you should limit your intake of this vegetable.
