Broccoli, a lush vegetable is a powerhouse of nutrients, it is also known to benefit digestion, the cardiovascular system and the immune system, and has anti-inflammatory and cancer-preventing properties. Broccoli being low in sodium and calories is also a fat-free vegetable with high fiber, very high in vitamin C and potassium, B6 and vitamin A.
Broccoli is also packed with phytochemicals and antioxidants, which are good for the immune system. Besides this they also have glucobrassicin, carotenoids and beta-carotene and kaempferol
Health Benefits of Broccoli
1. Bone Health
Broccoli contains high levels of both calcium and vitamin K, which helps in preventing osteoporosis.
2. Cancer Prevention
Broccoli contains glucoraphanin, which is processed into the anti-cancer compound sulforaphane, which helps in getting the body rid of H. Pylori, a bacterium found to highly increase the risk of gastric cancer. Furthermore, broccoli contains indole-3-carbinol, an antioxidant compound which not only hinders the growth of breast, cervical and prostate cancer, but also boosts liver function.
3. Cholesterol Reduction
Being high in soluble fiber, broccoli helps in lowering cholesterol levels from the body.
4. Detoxification
Glucoraphanin, gluconasturtiin and glucobrassicin are phytonutrients that support all reactions in the body’s detox process.
5. Diet Aid
Being high in fiber, it aids in digestion, prevents constipation, maintains low blood sugar, and curbs overeating.
6. Heart Health
Sulforaphane, one of the isothiocyanates (ITCs) prevent damage to blood vessel linings that can be caused by inflammation due to chronic blood sugar problems
7. Powerful Antioxidant
Broccoli has the highest amount of Vitamin C, carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene which is other anti-oxidants.
8. Reducing Allergy Reaction and Inflammation
Broccoli is very rich in anti-inflammatory phyto nutrients like kaempferol and isothiocyanates, which decreases the impact of allergens in our body.
By: Archa Dave
