As a means to prevent the disease, eating plenty of fresh vegetables has long been recommended. In fact, vegetable's defense against diabetes may have a genetic basis. According to a study conducted by British researchers, sulforaphane, a chemical found in cruciferous vegetables, switches on genes that produce enzymes that protect your blood vessels from the damage linked to the high levels of blood sugar.

These finding suggest that vegetables, like broccoli, may shield you from the ravages of diabetes, which means Mom was right-- yet again. You should always eat your vegetables.

The study also reported that the chemical sulforaphane appears also to increase the levels of the disease fighting antioxidants. Antioxidants combat the free radicals formed in your body. These radicals have also been associated with premature aging of your skin. So if you want to retain a youthful radiance, again eat your vegetables.

Although broccoli is a great vegetable to have in your fridge, some other cruciferous vegetables you might like to keep on hand are kale, collard greens, cabbage, turnips, cauliflower and watercress. This should give you enough variety to keep your meals from becoming monotonous boring affairs.

So by eating your vegetables, you not only help to keep the fat from forming on your thighs, it may also genetically help to prevent cancer and help you to stave off the ravages of time, namely wrinkles. With this in mind, sounds like a good time for some broccoli florets, doesn't it?