Broccoli

Broccoli has it roots in Italy where it was then spread through immigration to the United States. Broccoli is a member of the cruciferous family of vegetables that includes cauliflower, cabbage, turnips, rutabaga, kale, bok choy, Brussels sprouts and mustard greens. Broccoli is another great super food that should be added to everyones diet. It should be eaten raw or steamed to get it's greatest health benefits.

Nutrients in Broccoli

Broccoli contains a high level of vitamin C and is packed with vitamin A, beta carotene, B vitamins especially B3 and B5, folic acid, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and chromium. It's also loaded with carotenoids which are powerful antioxidants. Broccoli is also an excellent source of dietary fiber.

Health Benefits of Broccoli

Cancer Fighting – Broccoli helps fight cancer and is noted to help battle breast, colon and lung cancers. Broccoli  boosts the immune system and contains powerful antioxidants and a substance called sulforaphane. Studies are showing that sulforaphane is a powerful cancer fighter and preventer.

Others Benefits – cataracts, protects against strokes

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Apricots

The ancient Romans gave the apricot its name – from the Latin word for "precocious" – because the apricot is the first fruit of the season to ripen. The name stuck, and the apricot spread all over, from Europe, to America, and all the way to Australia. Whether fresh or dried, eating apricots will help you fight the effects of aging, protect your eyesight, ward off cancer, and prevent heart disease.

Whether fresh or dried, eating apricots will help you fight the effects of aging, protect your eyesight, ward off cancer, and prevent heart disease. Nutrients in Apricots

The apricot is loaded with beta carotene, iron, fiber, vitamin C, and several B vitamins. If you dry an apricot, its nutrients get more concentrated, making dried apricots a great snack.

Health Benefits of Apricots

Cancer Fighting – Apricots, especially dried ones, are another source of lycopene, the amazing carotenoid that can help prevent prostate, breast, and several other cancers. Though apricots aren't nearly as good a source of lycopene – about 30 dried ones have the same amount as one tomato – munching on them throughout the day can boost your lycopene quicker than you think.

Apricots are also a good source of the most famous carotenoid of them all – beta carotene. This powerful antioxidant reduces your risk of some types of stomach and intestinal cancers. To get these benefits, experts suggest getting at least 5 milligrams of beta carotene each day. That's equal to about six fresh apricots.

Heart Healthy – Eating dried apricots as a snack can punch up your levels of iron, potassium, beta carotene, magnesium, and copper. These important nutrients help control your blood pressure and prevent heart disease. Plus, as few as five dried apricots can give you up to 3 grams of fiber, which sweeps cholesterol out of your system before it has a chance to clog your arteries.

Improves Eyesight – What you eat can affect your vision. Dr. Robert G. Cumming, the lead researcher for the Blue Mountains Eye Study, says, "Our study confirms the importance of vitamin A for cataract prevention." Cumming adds, "Our overall conclusion is that a well-balanced diet is needed for eye health." Since apricots are a good source of beta carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A, and several other nutrients, they could be just what you're looking for.

Other Benefits – Alzheimer's and age-related mental problems, like memory loss, longevity

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