If cruciferous vegetables held a popularity contest, broccoli would be in with the in-crowd -- with cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and the various cabbages trying desperately to fit in.

Chopping broccoli into bite-sized broccoli florets is aesthetically appealing, but if you throw away the broccoli stalks, your family is missing out on essential vitamins and nutrients. Broccoli stalks are edible and nutritious by themselves, or served along with the rest of the broccoli crown.

Broccoli's high vitamin content earns the vegetable "super-food" status. Thrifty cooks use as much of each broccoli bunch as possible, but if your own "bunch" consists of picky eaters who refuse to eat broccoli cuts, or stems, take heart.

Broccoli, part of the Brassica family, is considered a cruciferous vegetable. Along with cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and kale, broccoli is known for its high concentration of sulforaphane, a sulfur-containing compound with disease-fighting capabilities.

Broccoli and carrots make a nutritious, easily prepared side dish. Together, they are rich in vitamins A and C, potassium and fiber. Broccoli adds folic acid, calcium and cancer-fighting properties to the mix. Wash the vegetables first. Soak broccoli, then rinse it. Scrub and peel the carrots.

Stove-top broccoli recipes offer a quick and simple way to add flavor, color and loads of nutrition to any meal. Broccoli is high in dietary fiber as well as vitamins A and C. Farm-fresh broccoli is better for you than frozen, according to Linda J.

Broccoli contains varying amounts of bitter compounds depending on the type. Standard broccoli is relatively mild in flavor, chinese broccoli is slightly more bitter and broccoli rabe contains the highest level of bitter compounds.

Warfarin is a medication doctors commonly prescribe to help prevent blood clotting. The effectiveness of warfarin hinges on its effects on vitamin K levels.

Broccoli, a member of the cruciferous family of vegetables, contains high levels of healthy compounds called glucosinolates. When you chop broccoli or chew it, these compounds become activated and can provide beneficial health properties.

The bright green stalks and florets of a bunch of broccoli are bursting with nutrients, including vitamin C, protein, fiber and calcium. Broccoli is also low in calories; a half-cup serving contains just 23 calories.

Casseroles are easy to make ahead of time and give you a hot meal on busy weeknights when you don't have time to cook. It's therefore unfortunate that both cooking and not cooking broccoli -- a classic casserole ingredient -- can ruin the final dish. If you're confused about broccoli, fear not.

When it comes to healthy cuisine, Chinese food, with its emphasis on lean meats, vegetables and healthy oils tops the list. Including entrees like Chinese shrimp and broccoli can be a delicious way for you to increase both your seafood and vegetable intake.