Broccoli and Broccolini, One is a Hybrid of the Other but Both are Antioxidant Rich Food

Broccoli

Broccolini

Guess which is the hybrid?  ;-)

Hybrid or the original plant, both are great sources of antioxidants.

PS: Broccolini is a hybrid of broccoli and kailan (a type of Chinese vegetable known also as Chinese Broccoli). Broccolini made its appearance in Yokohama, Japan in 1993.

All 3 are from the Cabbage family. Broccolini's resemblance to broccoli, often caused it to be mistakenly known as the broccoli flower.

Broccoli's Main Nutrients

• Antioxidant:    Vitamin (C,E), Glucoraphanin (converts into sulforaphane), Zinc
  
• Other:               Iron, Zinc, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Selenium,Manganese, Potassium, Vitamin (A,B,C,E), Folate, Phosphorus, Dietary Fiber, Water

Interesting stuff on Broccoli

Native of:

• Eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor
  

Now Found\Grown in:

• Worldwide
  

Tropical application of broccoli (extract) may prevent skin cancer.

Cooking broccoli at high temperature destroys a very important enzyme it contains, myrosinase. Myrosinase helps convert the antioxidant glucoraphani into sulforaphane that helps fight cancer. Hence, best way to eat broccoli is either raw or just lightly steamed.

Examples of Health Benefits of Broccoli

• osteoporosis prevention - sulforaphane compound found in broccoli blocks a type of enzymes that destroys cartilage
  
• reduce cancer risks - in particular, bladder cancer, cervical cancer
  
• detoxifies air pollutants in the body

Some precautions

• may cause bloating (gas) for some. To prevent this, is to chew as much as possible.