Broccoli is a vegatable that many kids run from. However, by not including broccoli in your deit many be doing you more harm than good.

Broccoli, part of the cruciferous vegetables, is closely related to cabbage and cauliflower. Broccoli is a vital source of many vitamins and phytonutrients. Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamins K, C, and A, folic acid and dietary fiber. It’s a very good source of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins B6 and vitamin E, as well as many powerful phytonutrients.
 

Protection Against Cancer

Broccoli contains the phyto-nutrients sulforaphane and isothiocyanates, which have significant anti-cancer effects. These phytonutrients help reduce tumor growth and reduce cancer cell metastasis. Sulforaphanes help remove toxins from the body, including cancer-causing compounds. Isothiocyanates help destroy carcinogens and help stop cancer cell division. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and brussel sprouts may help reduce the risk of colon cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer and ovarian cancer.
 

Helps Cell Detoxification

The phytonutrients in broccoli help improve the detoxification capabilities of the body, specifically at the cellular level. Cells are better able to help neutralize and get rid of damaging free radicals, toxins, and cancer causing compounds.
 

Improve Bone Health

Broccoli is a rich source of calcium, which is an integral part of bones. Broccoli also contains vitamin C, which helps improve the absorption of calcium.
 

Reduced Risk of Birth Defects

Broccoli is a source of the B vitamin, folic acid. Folic acid is required in DNA synthesis, and helps prevent neural tube defects.

Cantaloupe, also known as muskmelon and rockmelon, is a fruit that belongs to cucurbitaceae family. The cantaloupe is a melon that belongs to the same family as the cucumber, squash, and pumpkin.

Cantaloupe is an excellent source of beta-carotene, folic acid, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C and dietary fiber.  It is also a source of many B vitamins, including B1 (thiamine), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), and B6 (pyridoxine). It is also a source of potassium and folate.
 

Cantaloupe: Anti-oxidant Activity

There are many compounds within cantaloupe that promote anti-oxidant activity. These include vitamin C, as well as oxykine, which promote anti-oxidant activity at the cellular level.
 

Cantaloupe: Improve Immune Function

The strong content of vitamin C stimulates white cells to fight infection, naturally building a good immune system.
 

Cantaloupe: Preventing Birth Defects

The adequate intake of folate (a B vitamin commonly known as folic acid in supplement form) is critical in the prevention of birth defects, such as neural tube defect. Folate consumption is critical for women who are regnant or planning on becoming pregnant. Folate deficiency is associated with the increase risk of birth defects, such as neural tube defect and Spina Bifida.
 

Cantaloupe: Reduce Heart Disease

Cantaloupe is a very good source of vitamin C, antioxidant protects LDL cholesterol from oxidation, thereby protecting against cardiovascular disease. Cantaloupe’s vitamin B6 helps prevent heart disease via lowering homocysteine levels, which can directly damage blood vessel walls. Cantaloupe also contains the active compound adenosine, which further helps with the blood thinning process.

Folate promotes the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. Studies have shown that a deficiency of folate, which causes the accumulation of the amino acid homocysteine in the body, significantly increases the risk for heart disease. Homocysteine promotes atherosclerosis by promoting the deterioration of arterial walls as well as promoting blood clot formation.
 

Cantaloupe: Help Lower High Blood Pressure

Cantaloupes are a good source of potassium. Potassium actively helps regulate blood pressure and decrease the risk of hypertension.
 

Cantaloupe: Fiber and Weight Management

Cantaloupes are a source of dietary fiber. Fiber may help with weight management, as well as keep your digestive health in check.