Broccolli and Osteoporosis

Broccolli, rich in calcium, helps build up bone mass

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The University of California's Wellness Letter indicates that broccoli has as much calcium, ounce for ounce, as milk. Calcium is an essential mineral in building and maintaining bone mass, as well as controlling muscle functions. It is critical to eat enough calcium rich foods during childhood and young adulthood to build up adequate bone mass. Many adults drink little to no milk at all and that is why there must be an awareness that there are many calcium rich foods other than milk--like broccoli.

At the age of thirty to forty the bone mass density begins to decline, even if you have built adequate bone mass in your younger years. This is even more critical for women because a lack of calcium in the diet, combined with the body's inability to absorb calcium efficiently, contributes to the onset of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a drastic loss of bone mass and density that increasingly makes bone more fragile. During and after menopause, woman's oestrogen production impairs the bones' ability to retain calcium. Many other lifestyle factors affect this bone mass reduction including exercise, heredity, and drugs. A recent study, according to University of California's Wellness Encyclopaedia of Food and Nutrition, found that eating adequate amount of calcium could help reduce the risk of hip fracture by 50 to 60 %. For further inquiry, please consult your physician about other preventative measures

CAJUN BROCCOLI STIR-FRY

Spice up a mundane dinner with this fabulous vegetable dish. You will find Cajun seasoning in the spice section of your local supermarket. If your wok or skillet is not large enough to accommodate all the vegetables at once, cook this recipe in 2 batches.

1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1/4 cup Chicken or vegetable broth, or water
3 tablespoons Vegetable oil
1 lb. Broccoli, beans, cauliflower, etc.
2 cloves Garlic, crushed through a press
Mix Cajun seasoning with broth and set aside.

In a large wok or skillet, heat oil until hot but not smoking. Add vegetables and garlic and cook over medium-high heat, stirring and tossing, until broccoli turns bright green, 1 to 2 minutes. Add broth mixture and stir fry until vegetables are glazed and crisp-tender and liquid has evaporated, 30 seconds to 1 minute longer. Serves 4