Purple sprouting broccoli provides a welcome addition to the winter vegetable larder and should be celebrated for its superior nutrient levels and importance to health.
TRY ME I’M GOOD IN… a salmon & purple sprouting broccoli grain bowl, a purple sprouting broccoli, leek & tarragon tart, or just simply purple sprouting broccoli with garlic & black sesame.
FACTS
· The word broccoli comes from the Italian plural of broccolo, which means "the flowering crest of a cabbage", and is the diminutive form of brocco, meaning "small nail" or "sprout".
· Broccoli resulted from breeding of landrace Brassica crops in the northern Mediterranean starting in about the sixth century BC.
· Broccoli has its origins in primitive cultivars grown in the Roman Empire.
· Genus: Brassica Family: Brassicaceae Species: Brassica oleracea var. italica
WHY IS IT SO GOOD?
Nutritional highlights – Purple Sprouting Broccoli can provide:
Vitamin C (100g = 105% RNI) contributes to protecting your cells and mental health, supports your immune system, contributes to your skin, blood vessels, bones and organs and reduces tiredness and fatigue.
Vitamin K (100g = 177% RNI) is essential for blood clotting and plays a key role in your bone health
Calcium (100g = 20% RNI) is essential for your bones and teeth, for your cells as they divide and specialise and contributes to your energy creation, digestion, and muscle function.
Folate (100g = 49% RNI) contributes to mental health, cardiovascular and immune system health, cell division, DNA creation and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Lutein and zeaxanthin (100g = 64% RNI) may protect our eyes from damage and degeneration and contribute to our ability to use skills and memory into old age.
MAIN HEALTH BENEFITS
Combats inflammation: Broccoli contains glucoraphanin, which is converted into sulforaphane during digestion, which can help fight free radicals and inflammation in the body.
Support immunity: Did you know that a cup of broccoli contains more vitamin C than an orange? Vitamin C functions as an antioxidant and plays a major role in immune function.
Promote eye health: Broccoli contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which are both antioxidants that can prevent oxidative stress and support eye health.
Improve blood sugar: research suggests that sulforaphane may improve glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Support a healthy heart: Broccoli is a source of several nutrients like folate, potassium and iron, all of which are vital in supporting a healthy heart.
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