Broccoli (and cruciferous vegetables)

Broccoli is one of several vegetables collectively called cruciferous, including kale, cabbage, cauliflower and brussels sprouts - in fact, all the commonly eaten cruciferous vegetables are the same species that have been selectively bred in much the same way as have different breeds of dogs. Broccoli is probably the one highest in most of the nutrients specific to these vegetables, however.
The name "cruciferous" refers to the cross-shape of the flowers.
Edible plants in the family Brassicaceae (also called Cruciferae) are termed Cruciferous vegetables. Edible plants in the family Brassicaceae (also called Cruciferae) are termed Cruciferous vegetables. Ten of the most common vegetables eaten by people are in a single species (B. oleracea). Numerous other genera and species in the family are also edible. Cruciferous vegetables including broccoli are one of the dominant food crops worldwide. Widely considered to be healthful foods, they are high in vitamin C and soluble fibre and contain multiple nutrients with potent anti-cancer properties: diindolylmethane, sulforaphane and selenium.
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have recently discovered that 3,3'-Diindolylmethane in Brassica vegetables is a potent modulator of the innate immune response system with potent anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-cancer activity. Broccoli is also high in beta-carotene, vitamin K and most of the essential minerals, and also in folic acid.
Broccoli extract is especially made to contain as much as possible of the antioxidants that it contains.
Broccoli extract is one of the supplements that will do several things, all associated with slowing down the degenerative changes associated with aging; help prevent heart and circulatory disease and cancer, stimulate the immune system, keep the skin and hair in good condition and improve the response of the immune system.