Broccoli is many people’s favorite green veggie as it is healthy, easy to get, and has a nice mild flavor. While cooking is a traditional way of consuming this green goodness, it can reduce the nutritional value. On the other hand, raw broccoli might taste bitter and not that appetizing.
A great way to deal with this problem can be juicing the veggie to yield all the benefits, but is broccoli juice worth all the effort and time? Will it taste good or not?
You can juice broccoli because it can do wonders for your health and wellbeing. The vegetable is a powerhouse of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Broccoli juice alone can be hard to drink, and it is better to combine it with other fruits and vegetables. A glass or two is enough per day, and overconsumption can lead to a bloated tummy.
When you make broccoli juice, there are a few precautionary steps that you must take to get the most out of your juice. This article explains the correct method to prepare this energy drink and different recipes to try.
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Is It Healthy To Juice Broccoli?
Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse because it is rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Its quality of being high in nutrients and low in calories has earned it the title of king of the cruciferous. (source)
As juicing is a quick and efficient way of giving an instant energy boost to the body, many health-conscious individuals want to take full benefit from broccoli. If you are also one of them, you can try juicing this green veggie as it is good for your health. However, broccoli can have a strong flavor that becomes more apparent when served in juice form.
You might have to add other ingredients with broccoli juice, so it is easier to drink. The addition of fruits and vegetables will help improve the flavors. Your body will receive all the vitamins and minerals that they possess. But, it is better to drink broccoli juice in a moderate amount as excessive consumption can lead to bloating or an upset stomach.
How To Juice Broccoli: Tips And Tricks
Broccoli belongs to the cabbage family and gets usually served cooked in various dishes or raw in salads. The thought of juicing broccoli may sound different. But, it is a unique way of incorporating this healthy veggie into your diet.
It is crucial to juice broccoli by following the correct steps so that you can take maximum benefits from it. Let’s look at some of the tips and tricks we have gathered together!
Wash thoroughly
The first step for extracting any juice is washing all the elements well. When you buy veggies from the market, there is a high chance they might possess some traces of chemicals that farmers use. Washing will eliminate all the unwanted substances, and the broccoli is all set and ready to go inside the juicer.
Add a small amount
The taste of broccoli can be heavy and hard to digest. Thus, it is better to go for a minimal amount of veggies at the beginning. Once you get used to the flavors, you can gradually increase the quantity as per your liking. So, start by using only a few florets in your juice.
Blend them with watery ingredients
The addition of high water content fruits and vegetables will improve the overall flavors but also helps dilute the distinct broccoli taste. A few of the recommended ingredients include cucumber and celery.
Neutralize the flavor
You can combine it with fruits like apples, pears, berries, and carrots if you want to neutralize the bitterness of broccoli further. They will add a hint of sweetness to the juice and give a supply of vitamins and minerals, elevating the nutritional value of the final product.
Zesty and Herby flavors
You can always opt for herbs and limes in your broccoli juice if you like to take away the bitterness. Also, these elements will give a refreshing quality to it, and you can enjoy it while sipping it.
Juicing Broccoli Stems: Is It Good?
While many people assume juicing only broccoli heads are perfect for juicing, it is not entirely true. The stems are equally effective and full of nutritional elements. Thus, you can utilize them for your good rather than throwing them away.
Transfer broccoli heads and stems to a juicer to create hydrating green juice. If the flavors are somewhat overwhelming, you can add coconut milk, lemon juice, and other watery stuff to tone the distinct taste down. Either way, it is beneficial for your body.
Can You Juice Broccoli Leaves?
Broccoli leaves are also suitable for juicing, thanks to their sweeter taste and rich water content. These properties enable them to be a great addition to creamy smoothies in contrast to other leafy greens, such as kale, that might turn out relatively dry. So, if you happen to be a fan of green smoothies, do not miss on broccoli leaves.
Broccoli Juice Recipes That You Need To Try
Now that you know broccoli juice on its own might not be appetizing, you can experiment with the veggie the way you want. We have picked two amazing recipes for you to make your juicing journey much more enjoyable! Let’s start!
1. Green detox juice
This recipe is ideal for health enthusiasts because it keeps the body in perfect shape by eliminating all the harmful toxins from inside.
You require:
- One broccoli head
- One/ two cucumbers
- Some spinach
- Four apples
- 2cm ginger
- One celery
- ¼ pineapple for sweetness (optional)
- This drink is ideal for weight loss, and the presence of cucumber will keep you hydrated throughout the day
2. Broccoli and pear juice
If you want to uplift the bland taste of broccoli, try this recipe once.
All you need to create this delicious juice is
- One cup of broccoli florets
- One ¼ cup of pear (peeled or unpeeled)
- One cup of unpeeled apple cubes
- Combine all the ingredients with ¾ cup of water in a juicer and give them a mix. You can add ice and black salt, but they are optional.
How Many Times Can You Have Broccoli Juice?
While broccoli is abundant with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, having it excessively in juice form can harm your digestive system. It is advisable to consume only one to two glasses of broccoli juice per day and not more. Even if you have a sound digestive system, exceeding this limit is never good.
The main reason is that broccoli can initiate bloating, and overconsumption can make the problem even more severe. Thus, it is always better to add this healthy juice into your diet slowly and in controlled quantity so your stomach can tolerate it. Once your body gets familiar with it, you can increase the amount.
Advantages of Juicing Broccoli
Broccoli is a well-known cruciferous veggie. It is a rich source of micronutrients like potassium, vitamin A, B6, and C. It is also high in iron, meaning that adding broccoli to your daily diet provides the body with the iron it requires.
Furthermore, broccoli helps lowering cholesterol levels and promotes a healthy heart function. Besides, it also reduces the risk of heart and liver diseases and cures many allergies. Thus, when you juice broccoli, all the nutrients are directly absorbed into the bloodstream. And, you can notice the health improvements quite early.
Conclusion
Juicing trend is gaining a lot of pace in recent years mainly due to the results it can provide. Talking about broccoli, it is among those veggies that can turn out to be a perfect pick for juicing. However, it is crucial to do it correctly as raw broccoli is not easy to digest.
Clean it well, combine it with other ingredients, and add lime and herbs, and you’ll be amazed by the great results. If you don’t take the necessary measures mentioned in the article, you might develop stomach-related issues.
There are plenty of broccoli juice recipes that you can try with various vegetables and fruits you prefer. This way, you will not only get all the nutrition from this veggie but also make your drinking experience wonderful.
