Veggies are good for you, and when you think about veggies, broccoli is one of the first alternatives that come to mind. But which type of broccoli is the healthiest? Keep reading to discover the answer.
How Many Types of Broccoli Are There?
Before we get to determine which broccoli is the healthiest, we have to take a look at the different types of broccoli out there.
Broccoli is an edible plant native to the Mediterranean. In fact, the name “broccoli” comes from the Italian diminutive of “brocco,” which means “bud.” There are three basic types of broccoli:
- Calabrese. Named after Calabria, a region in Southern Italy. This is your classic broccoli.
- Sprouting broccoli. Has many heads with thin stalks. It can be white or purple.
- Purple or violet cauliflower. Although known as cauliflower, this is a type of broccoli.
Which Type of Broccoli Is the Healthiest?
Now that you know how many types of broccoli are there, it’s time to find out which is the healthiest.
The nutrient profiles of calabrese broccoli and sprouting broccoli are very similar. Both provide the following nutrients:
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin C
- Folate
- Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
- Lutein
- Zeaxanthin
- Quercetin
It’s worth noting that some of these values are slightly higher in calabrese broccoli, which gives it a small edge over sprouting broccoli.
Purple cauliflower, on the other hand, is also an excellent sort of nutrients. Like other violet vegetables and fruits, purple cauliflower owes its characteristic appearance to an antioxidant called anthocyanin. Antioxidants are substances that have been associated with cancer-fighting properties.
If adding antioxidants to your diet is a priority, then purple cauliflower may be for you. You’d be in good company — In fact, this vegetable is attracting a lot of attention from scientists due to its health benefits.
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