
Broccoli is an edible green plant in the cabbage family whose large flowering head and stalk are eaten as a vegetable. The word broccoli comes from the Italian plural of broccolo, which means the flowering crest of a cabbage. Broccoli has large flower heads, usually dark green in color, arranged in a tree-like structure branching out from a thick, edible stalk which is usually light green. Broccoli contains vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. It is one of the world's healthiest foods. It protects from chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, hypertension etc. According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, one cup of broccoli contains 32 calories, 6 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of protein.