Claudia Ciesla: Why Broccoli Belongs on Your Plate

Good health does not come from fancy products or passing food trends. According to nutritionist Claudia Ciesla, it begins with the everyday choices we make on our plates.

Speaking from her experience as a nutritionist and wellness expert, Claudia Ciesla shared why going back to real, whole foods is more important than ever. In a world filled with processed foods, fast meals, and “magic” supplements, she believes it is rare and refreshing to talk about something as simple and powerful as a vegetable. And for her, broccoli stands out as a true everyday superfood.

India is often referred to as the diabetes capital of the world, but still with growing rates of obesity and lifestyle-related diseases, a large part of the population remains malnourished. Claudia highlighted this as a concerning reality in India’s current health landscape. “Today people are overeating, yet they are malnourished,” she explained. “How is that possible? Because we are eating empty calories. We are not eating real food, which we should.”

She highlighted, nearly 80% of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes can be prevented through better lifestyle and food choices. Women’s health is particularly affected, with iron deficiency and conditions like PCOD impacting almost one in four women. Many of these issues, she said, can be managed and often improved with smarter, more balanced nutrition.

Describing broccoli as an everyday superhero, Claudia explained why this vegetable deserves a regular place in Indian meals. It is locally grown, affordable, easy to cook, and packed with nutrients that support overall health.

One of broccoli’s biggest strengths is its high Vitamin C content, which helps the body absorb iron more effectively. “If you combine broccoli with iron-rich foods, the body absorbs iron much faster and more efficiently,” she said, making it especially beneficial for women dealing with iron deficiency.

Broccoli is also rich in fiber, which plays a key role in digestion, gut health, and weight management. Fiber helps feed good gut bacteria, reduces bloating and acidity, and slows down eating, giving the brain enough time to register fullness. “We don’t need another diet trend,” Claudia emphasized. “What we need is more fiber on our plates.”

In addition, broccoli contains antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress and support skin health and anti-ageing. It is also rich in sulforaphane, a compound that research suggests may help protect against certain types of cancer, and Vitamin K, which supports heart and brain health.

One of the strongest messages Claudia shared was breaking the myth that healthy food is boring or tasteless. “Let’s break this myth,” she said. “Who says healthy food is tasteless?”

According to her, taste comes from how food is prepared and the quality of ingredients used. Fresh vegetables, cold-pressed oils, and mindful cooking can make healthy meals both satisfying and delicious.

Claudia also shared easy ways to include broccoli in daily meals, such as a broccoli, spinach, and lauki soup for a light, nourishing option, or broccoli and pea tikkis as a protein-rich snack.

At the heart of Claudia’s message is simplicity. Healthy eating does not need to be complicated, expensive, or restrictive. Small, everyday choices can lead to long-term impact.

“Let’s make India stronger and healthier,” she said. “And what it takes is only one green plate at a time.”

With its versatility, affordability, and wide range of benefits, broccoli proves that good nutrition can be both practical and genuinely enjoyable.

Claudia Ciesla is an international actress and model born in Poland and raised in Germany. She has been active in India’s film and television industry since the late 2000s and is widely known for her work in Bollywood films, television shows, reality programs, and dance performances.

In recent years, Claudia has also established herself as a nutritionist and wellness expert. She runs her own wellness program, Claudia’s Concept, and is the author of the book Keep Eating, Keep Losing. Today, she works closely with clients, offering practical, real-food-based dietary guidance focused on long-term health and sustainability.