BROCCOLI BOOST

The vegetable is packed with nutrients and may reduce risk of cancer

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NEW YORK - Children may not want to hear this, but broccoli more than deserves its place on people's plates. The florets and stems are filled with nutrients that help keep the heart and bones healthy - and may reduce the risk of cancer.

"Broccoli is a multitasking vegetable," said Dr Emily Ho, a professor of nutrition and director of the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. It has a range of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that give your body a boost.

Here are some of the vegetable's best attributes.

IT HAS A CANCER-FIGHTING COMPOUND

Ever scrunched up your nose at broccoli's sulphuric smell?

Along with cauliflower, brussels sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables, broccoli is a source of a sulphur-based nutrient called sulforaphane. It is the compound behind broccoli's odour and slightly bitter flavour. It also has anticancer properties, scientists believe.