A wonderful tasty vegetable, similar to cauliflower but is more green in color. It is a powerful antioxidant containing Glucosinolates. It increases resistance power and helps in removing the hard and tough toxins. It also helps in pushing away the cancerous cells out of the body. It has a good amount of phytonutrients such as Sulphoraphane, Indoles, Beta Carotene, Lutein, and Quercitin. Broccoli benefits in preventing aging, cancer, harmful effects of cataract and diabetes and damage of muscles. They reduce swelling with allergy.
Nutritive Value
It has high nutritive value, which is very well depicted in the image as shown below and one can easily understand why broccoli benefits us.
It contains a variety of minerals potassium, phosphorous, calcium, sodium, magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, copper and a good combination of vitamins like- Vitamin C, B1 to B9, K and E. It also contains carbohydrates, fats and protein.
Not the only the powerhouse of nutrients, but rather also contains phytochemicals and antioxidants. Phytochemicals are the chemicals which are responsible for colors, smell and flavor. A good study has been done on it and researchers of the American Institute of Cancer Research Institute have found that broccoli benefits in numerous ways as it enhances the immune system.
According to the National Cancer Institute, antioxidants are chemicals either, produced by the body or initiated in fruits, vegetables and grains. The main functions of antioxidants are to help, find and neutralize free radicals that cause cell damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules made during metabolism. The damage caused by free radicals may lead to cancer.
Naturopathy says always go for uncooked food as heat destroys the nutrients. This is very well proved here; when it was boiled most of the nutrients especially cancer-fighting nutrients were lost. Whereas, on steaming for up to 15 to 20 minutes, microwaving for up to 2 to 3 minutes and frying for up to 5 minutes created no significant loss of cancer-preventive substances. In fact, raw broccoli is the best to use as; it is full of all its nutrients. This is how broccoli benefits us and has become an important food in our dining table.
Health Benefits of Broccoli
Broccoli Benefits: Cholesterol reduction
Broccoli is rich in soluble fiber that expels cholesterol out of our body. This is due to the fact that it binds with bile acids in the digestive tract.
In Cancer Prevention:
Broccoli contains a component known as sulforaphane. This element is known for its cancer-preventing properties. Cancer patients are strongly recommended for broccoli, as broccoli benefits in expelling out the cancerous cells out of our body.
In maintaining bone health:
Calcium and Vitamin K are necessary for bone health and we know Broccoli is rich in both the minerals. Hence, broccoli keeps bone strength sturdy. This is how broccoli benefits us.
Strong immune system:
Broccoli contains many phytonutrients as well as antioxidants. Both substances create miracles in the body by creating a strong defensive mechanism. This is the greatest benefit of Broccoli.
Heart health:
One more health benefits of broccoli are that it is good for our heart. Broccoli contains fibers, fatty acids and vitamins that make it good for heart health. The component sulforaphane present in the Broccoli has anti-inflammatory properties. That is why broccoli benefits our heart health.
Eye care:
Eyes are a very beautiful part of our body which helps in looking at the world around but still, we ignore to take its care. So, nature has given many things out of which one is Broccoli which contains beta-carotene, which is good for the eyes. It also contains Vitamin A, Vitamin E and vitamin K which are also known to be good for the eyes. Because of these important nutrients, broccoli benefits our eyes too.
Diet aid:
Broccoli has good carbohydrates and also rich in fiber. It helps in digestion, prevents constipation, maintains low blood sugar, and curbs overeating. Along with this, broccoli also maintains weight. Along with the above broccoli benefits, it also contains proteins which help in repairing the cells of our body.
Broccoli benefits our Skin:
As we know broccoli is a powerhouse of antioxidants and nutrients like vitamin C and minerals like copper and zinc. So, the greatest benefit of broccoli is to help in maintaining healthy skin. It also protects the skin from getting infections and maintains its natural glow. It is full of vitamin K, amino acids and Vitamin B, again making it supreme for maintaining healthy skin. Again, the skin is thankful to the broccoli for its benefits experienced by all of us.
