The Holistic Parrot by Leslie Moran
Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica), is a highly nutritious vegetable. That’s why it’s listed in my balanced food plan as an item that I want parrots to eat every day. However, occasionally I hear from people that getting their birds to eat broccoli is a challenge for them. Now if their birds are enjoying sprouts, we’ve got our foot in the door. Let’s explore the nutritional benefits of fresh broccoli sprouts and how to use them to expand a parrot’s enjoyment of new, healthier foods.
When considering the nutritional value of fresh broccoli sprouts, most of the information focuses on specific antioxidants that have been seen to prevent and combat various types of cancer. These include the organosulphur compounds that are a class of phytochemicals identified as glucosinolates.
When looking into the nutritional value of the mature broccoli plant we also see these cancer-fighting antioxidants, but in smaller amounts, along with other nutrients essential for a parrot’s good health.