Broccoli is a branching, green vegetable that has blossom buds that are either purple or, more typically, green in colour. It is a member of the brassica family, which also includes cauliflower, cabbage, and kale, and maybe eaten raw or cooked, depending on the recipe.
Browse through our whole collection of health benefit posts to learn more about the benefits of various green vegetables and their nutritional profiles as well. Alternatively, try some of our favourite broccoli recipes, which range from main dishes such as quinoa, squash, and broccoli salad to fresh twists on traditional side dishes such as broccoli with garlic and lemon.
The top 5 health advantages of broccoli are as follows:
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1. It is beneficial to one's cardiovascular health
A study by Nutrition Research discovered that eating steamed broccoli on a daily basis decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering the overall amount of cholesterol present in the body. Another research conducted in the United States discovered that increasing the amount of vegetables in one's diet, particularly brassica vegetables such as broccoli, may lower the risk of heart disease.
2. Consists of chemicals that are cancer-fighting
There is no one "superfood" that may prevent cancer and many risk factors for cancer are unrelated to diet, but there is evidence that eating a balanced diet helps lessen the chance of developing the disease in the first place. Sulforaphane, a phytochemical found in broccoli, is a critical component of the vegetable and is also responsible for the somewhat bitter taste of broccoli. It has been shown in studies that sulforaphane may have a role in the enhanced detoxification of airborne pollutants, such as cigarette smoke, and that it may also help lower the incidence of some malignancies. In addition, other study has revealed that broccoli may possess anti-cancer characteristics and may thus lessen the incidence of prostate cancer.
Broccoli sprouts have much higher concentrations of these cancer-fighting chemicals than broccoli leaves. You can simply grow broccoli seeds on your windowsill in the same way that you would grow cress seedlings.
3. It may be beneficial to one's eye health
Broccoli includes the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which have been associated with a lower incidence of age-related eye problems such as cataracts and macular degeneration in studies conducted in 2003 and 2006. Broccoli also includes beta-carotene, which the body turns into vitamin A, a deficiency of which has been linked to night blindness in certain studies.
4. It is possible that it will help to maintain hormonal balance
A phytochemical called indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is found in brassica crops such as broccoli, and it has the ability to behave as a plant oestrogen, which may aid in the regulation of hormone levels by controlling oestrogen levels. More research is required in this area, however I3C has shown promise in terms of reducing the incidence of oestrogen-induced breast and reproductive malignancies in men and women.
It seems that brassica vegetables, such as broccoli, have an effect on oestrogen metabolism, perhaps altering it to a more favourable composition.
5. It has the potential to help the immune system
Brassica vegetables such as broccoli, which are high in sulphur, may help to enhance gut health and, as a consequence, your ability to fight illness. Sulphur helps to increase the synthesis of glutathione, which is essential for preserving the integrity of the gut lining as well as for aiding in the healing of the gut lining. Glutathione is an extremely powerful antioxidant that works throughout the body to protect cells from inflammatory damage.
Is broccoli suitable for all people?
Broccoli is a nutritious choice for the majority of us. It may, however, be necessary to limit the number of brassica vegetables you consume if you suffer from a thyroid condition. This is due to the fact that these veggies may interfere with the absorption of iodine, which is required for the formation of thyroid hormones in the human body. However, it's important to remember that in order for this to be a problem, you'd need to consume a substantial quantity of food on a constant basis over time.
Broccoli is a high-fibre vegetable, which is very good for the majority of us since it aids in the digestion process and serves as a fuel source for the beneficial bacteria that live in our digestive tract. Nonetheless, high-fibre diets may produce bloating and gas in some individuals, which can be particularly problematic for those who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis.
If you are using a blood-thinning medicine such as warfarin, your doctor or dietitian may recommend that you keep track of the vitamin K foods you consume, such as broccoli, to ensure that you consume the same quantities on a regular basis. If in doubt, ask your doctor before making any substantial changes to your diet, including the amount and kind of food you consume.
