Superfood: Broccoli

Updated January 15, 2010
Credit: Lee Harrelson

Considered one of the most nutritious vegetables around broccoli is packed with numerous vitamins and minerals to help fight cancer, build strong bones, and lower cholesterol.

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Superfood: Broccoli

Credit: Lee Harrelson, Stylist: Mindi Shapiro

Superfood: Broccoli Tout

Broccoli has long been touted as one of the healthiest veggies because of its nutritional makeup. This superfood is loaded with fiber, antioxidants to fight cancer, and vitamin C to aid in iron absorption. While broccoli doesn't provide as much calcium as a glass of milk, it is a great source of calcium to help control blood pressure and build strong bones. Aim to eat broccoli as well as other cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts) several times per week to reap the good-for-you benefits.

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Roasted Broccoli with Pistachios and Pickled Golden Raisins

Credit: Brian Woodcock; Styling: Paige Hicks

Roasted Broccoli with Pistachios and Pickled Golden Raisins Recipe

Some version of broccoli, usually laden with cream and cheese, lands on many a Thanksgiving table. But this dish, with its beautifully balanced flavors, is much lighter--and vegan.

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Bacon-Powered Broccoli

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Bacon-Powered Broccoli Recipe

Down a dose of veggies for breakfast by folding leftovers into scrambled eggs.

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Lemon-Scented Broccoli Soufflé

Credit: Karry Hosford

Lemon-Scented Broccoli Soufflé Recipe

Don't let this soufflé's airy texture fool you. It is densely packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals. This dish is an elegant solution for your leftover broccoli.

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Peanut-Broccoli Stir-fry

Credit: Jennifer Davick; Buffy Hargett; Vanessa McNeil Rocchio

Peanut-Broccoli Stir-fry Recipe

You don't need to worry about going hungry after this one-dish meal because it contains 25 percent of your daily fiber needs. And even though this is a meatless dish, you'll get plenty of protein from the tofu.

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Broccoli with Red Pepper Flakes and Toasted Garlic

Credit: Randy Mayor; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross

Broccoli with Red Pepper Flakes and Toasted Garlic Recipe

Pairing the toasted garlic with broccoli gives this side dish a double dose of heart-healthy antioxidants. When choosing fresh broccoli, look for heads with compact clusters and a bright green (not yellow) color.

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Parmesan-Crumb Broccoli

Credit: David Prince

Parmesan-Crumb Broccoli Recipe

Prepare this light and flavorful side dish during the winter months when broccoli is in peak season. Try fresh thyme and grated Parmesan cheese for a low calorie flavor kick.

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Broccoli, Orange, and Watercress Salad

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Broccoli, Orange, and Watercress Salad Recipe

Get a triple dose of vitamin C from the combination of broccoli, orange, and watercress. Like broccoli, watercress is packed with phytochemicals and antioxidants making this superfood salad a must-have with any meal.

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Broccoli Bread

Credit: Randy Mayor; Lydia DeGaris-Pursell

Broccoli Bread Recipe

This kid-friendly recipe is an excellent way to prepare broccoli that the whole family can enjoy. Make sure to remove any excess liquid from the frozen broccoli for a light and fluffy product.

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Broccoli and Cheese Soup

Credit: Lee Harrelson

Broccoli and Cheese Soup Recipe

This creamy soup provides more than one-third of your daily calcium needs and around 30 percent of your protein requirements. With the abundance of vitamin C and potassium found in the broccoli, this is the perfect soup for those sick days in bed.

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