When it comes to great-tasting nutrition, broccoliis an all-star food with many health benefits. While low in calories, broccoliis rich in essential vitamins and minerals, in addition to fiber.Broccoli belongs to a family of vegetablescalled cruciferous vegetables and its close relatives include brussel sprouts,cauliflower, and cabbage. Broccoli contains sulforophane,a sulfur-containing compound present in cruciferous vegetables. Researchers are studying the anti-cancer properties ofsulforophane and have come to some interesting conclusions, although moreresearch is needed. As if that's not enough, a cup of cookedbroccoli offers as much vitamin C as an orange, and is a good source of beta-carotene. Broccolicontains vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc too. It also provides fiberand is lowin calories.