About Broccoli
Broccoli belongs to the cruciferous family whose other members include Brussels sprouts and cabbage. There are various health benefits of broccoli as we shall see in this article.
Health Benefit 1: Anti- Cancer Properties
Broccoli is rich in glucoraphanin, a substance that the body converts to anti-cancer compound sulforaphane. Sulforaphane eliminates this compound rids the body of H. pylori, the bacteria responsible for causing gastric cancer. The indole-3-carbinol is a powerful anti-oxidant and anti-cancer property. Both these assist the body in suppressing breast, cervical and prostate cancer, not to mention that it also improves function of the liver.
Health Benefit 2: Lowers of Cholesterol
Broccoli contains soluble fiber which lowers cholesterol levels in the body.
Health Benefit 3: Fights Allergy and Inflammation
The kaemferol and isothiocynates are phytonutrients with anti-inflammatory properties, found in broccoli. Kaemferol aids in lowering the effect of allergy-related compounds in the body. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids which fight inflammation.
Health Benefit 4: Antioxidant Properties
Broccoli has the highest amount of vitamin c in the cruciferous family. In addition, broccoli contains flavonoids, carotenoids namely lutein, zea-xanthin and beta-carotene.
Health Benefit 5: Strong Bones
The vitamin K and calcium are both crucial for bone health. Both of these also aid in preventing osteoporosis.
Health Benefit 6: Cardiovascular Health
Broccoli contains an anti-inflammatory substance, sulforaphane, an isothiocynates (ITCs) which assist in counteracting damage done to blood vessel linings by the inflammation caused by blood sugar.
Health Benefit 7: Detoxification
There are 3 special phytonutrients in broccoli which aid in cleansing and detoxifying the body. These are Glucoraphanin, gluconasturtiin and glucobrassicin.They cativate, neutralize and remove contaminants in the body. In addition, broccoli contains isothiocyanates, some special phytonutrients that aid in the detoxification process.
Health Benefit 8: Fiber Diet
Due to its high fiber content, broccoli assist in digestion, thereby preventing constipation. Additionally, it keeps the amount of sugar in the blood at desirable level so that you do not overeat
Health Benefit 9: Body Alkalinity
Diseases tend to thrive in acidic environment. Broccoli is one vegetable you can count on to counter the effect of high acidity in the body. It lowers the acidity since it has alkaline qualities.
Health Benefit 10: Combats Osteoarthritis
Studies have shown that broccoli contains sulfophane, compounds that combat osteoarthritis by hindering enzymes which destroy cartilage. The compound thus blocks the molecule responsible for inflammation.
Health Benefit 11: Nutrient Rich
Broccoli contains a variety of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. These include vitamins C, K, A, B complex, iron, phosphorous, zinc, lutein and folate (folic acid).Vitamin K is vital for the proper functioning of various proteins that are involved in formations of blood clots. Vitamin A aids in improving vision as well as production of red blood cells. Vitamin C aids in building tissues and bones through collagen.
The vitamin also acts as an anti-oxidant. The Potassium mineral in broccoli is an important electrolyte that aids in the functions of nerves and heart muscles Folic acid in broccoli is involved in the production and maintenance of new cells.Folateis necessary for the regeneration and maintenance of new cells in the body.Notably, lutein in broccoli promotes ocular health by aiding in slowing down development of macular degeneration and cataracts.
Image Credit : ProjectManhattan via Creative Commons
