Broccoli - Another of Nature's SuperFoods!

Spinach - a great source of fiber!

Eating healthy foods is a great way to save money and still enjoy a wide variety of delicious meals! Broccolis has been touted for years as another of nature's super foods! Like many other cruciferous vegetables, broccoli offers a wealth of healthy antioxidants and vitamins! The Italians have long enjoyed the healthy benefits of broccoli and pasta! Broccoli offers a healthy dose of Vitamins A, B, C, and K as well as phytonutrients which scientists belive can reduce the risks of many cancers! Eat Healthy and save your money - enjoy a well balanced variety of healthy fruits and vegetables.

Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C, folate, and calcium! Chock full of potent antioxidants, broccoli is hard to beat for all it's healthy benefits. Antioxidants reduce the amounts of free radicals and help prevent cholesterol build-up . Cholesterol sticks to blood vessel walls, where it can cause blocked arteries, heart attack or even a stroke. Getting plenty of vitamin C and beta-carotene helps ward off heart attacks and strokes.

Broccoli is also a great source of vitamin K, vitamin A, manganese, folate, and vitamin B6. It is a very good source of dietary fiber, copper, protein, phosphorus, zinc and vitamin E. Broccoli even offers some heart-healthy omega-3 fats.

Broccoli is easy to find practically year round and very inexpensive. To retain the most of broccoli's healthiest properties - enjoy it steamed! Or add some to your favorite rice or pasta! Toss some florets in your next salad for a healthy antioxidant boost!

Try this delicious recipe for broccoli and pasta:

Here is all you need:

2 cups fettucini noodles, uncooked
3 Tablespoons chopped green onion (also called scallions)
2 cups broccoli florets
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 can (14.5 ounce) stewed tomatoes
2 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese

And easy to prepare:

1. Cook noodles according to package instructions (do not include oil or salt), and drain.

2. Spray a medium skillet with nonstick cooking spray; stir-fry onion and broccoli for 3 minutes over medium heat.

3. Add seasonings (but not the Parmesan cheese) and tomatoes; simmer until heated through.

4. Spoon vegetable mixture over noodles and top with Parmesan cheese.

Make eating healthy foods a habit! Enjoy a wide variety of natural foods - including plenty of fruits and vegetables. Try to include more broccoli in your diet each week. Steamed broccoli with whole grain rice is another easy and nutritious addition to any meal. Or for a delicious way to warm your tummy on a cold winter's night you might enjoy Mom's easy brown rice and broccoli!

If weight loss is one of your goals this year - eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Get plenty of exercise and you're on your way to natural, healthy weight loss! The quickest way to lose weight is making exercise and healthy eating part of your daily lifestyle. Once you get started you won't want to stop!