Broccoli may have been one of your least favorite foods as a child, but it can have an incredibly powerful effect on your life as an adult. This antioxidant-rich vegetable is very similar to other leafy green and cruciferous vegetables in terms of its anti-cancer abilities. The antioxidants attack free radicals and eliminate oxidative stress, which can be a major cause of chronic illness, including various types of cancer. As we age, oxidative stress naturally begins to build up over time, and cancer tends to strike older people; adding broccoli to your weekly diet can help you fight back more effectively.