Broccoli is a powerhouse of nutrition and tastes great at the same time. It does not contain many calories and still provides you with loads of essential minerals, vitamins, and fiber. Like other cruciferous veggies, broccoli contains a sulfur-containing compound called sulforaphane, which is supposed to have anti-cancerous properties. There are many other broccoli benefits that make it a great addition to any diet plan. Let's find out more.
Health Benefits of Broccoli
Broccoli is packed with vitamins and minerals. In fact, a cup of cooked broccoli contains more vitamin C than orange. It is also a rich source of B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Here are some interesting broccoli benefits.
1. It Detoxifies Your Body
Broccoli contains vitamin C, which works as an antioxidant and helps detoxify your body at the same time. It eliminates free radicals from your system and flushes toxins like uric acid out of your body. Regular use may lower your risk of having problems like itches, boils, arthritis, gout, rashes, skin diseases, renal calculi, and rheumatism.
2. It Improves Skin Quality
The presence of vitamin C is the reason why broccoli is extremely beneficial for healthy skin. It prevents oxidative damage to skin cells and keeps you from experiencing any aging effects. It also contains vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B complex, folate, and amino acids that also play a role in keeping your skin healthy.
3. It Improves Digestive System
One of many broccoli benefits is that it improves digestion and treats stomach disorders. These benefits come from its fiber content. By increasing your intake of fiber, you can deal with constipation in an effective way. The fiber helps retain water in the intestine, which in turn promotes healthy bowel movements. It also contains many vitamins and magnesium that help reduce acidity and support proper digestion of food.
4. It Prevents Cardiovascular Diseases
The presence of antioxidants in broccoli is the reason why it is good for your heart. However, it also contains high levels of omega 3 fatty acids and beta-carotene, which help reduce bad cholesterol and keep your heart healthy. Eating steamed broccoli is a better option here because it makes it easier to combine fiber with bile. This in turn improves bowel movement and lowers cholesterol levels. Broccoli also contains potassium that acts as a vasodilator and improves flow of oxygenated blood to your heart and other vital organs.
5. It Protects Your Eyes
The presence of beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, phosphorous, vitamin A, and many other vitamins is the reason why broccoli is extremely beneficial for your eyes. The combination of these antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals protects your eyes against cataracts and macular degeneration.
6. It Boosts Immunity
One of many broccoli benefits is that it improves immunity. The effect comes from the presence of beta-carotene, vitamin C, and many other minerals, such as copper, selenium, phosphorous, and zinc. An improved immune system is more likely to protect you from common infections.
7. It Improves Bone Health
The presence of calcium is the reason why broccoli is beneficial for your bones. You get about 47mg of calcium from a 100g serving of broccoli. It improves the health of your bones by combining with zinc, magnesium, and phosphorous. It is extremely beneficial for old people, children, and pregnant women. It also lowers your risk of calcium deficiency, osteoporosis, and weakening of teeth and bones.
8. It Regulates Blood Pressure
As mentioned already, broccoli contains antioxidants that lower inflammation and improve your cardiovascular health. The presence of chromium is another reason why broccoli is good for your heart and works great to regulate blood pressure. It is also rich in omega 3s and fiber that improve digestion and lower bad cholesterol.
9. It Treats Anemia
An iron deficiency can cause serious problems and lead to a condition called anemia, characterized by severe fatigue. Broccoli provides you with enough iron and other proteins to help prevent and treat anemia. Including it in your diet will improve blood circulation and make it easier to deal with the fatigue associated with anemia. It also contains copper that is responsible for the production of red blood cells.
10. It Lowers Risk of Cancer
The presence of many antioxidants is the reason why broccoli lowers your risk of several types of cancer, including cancer of the uterus, breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, and liver cancer. It helps remove excess estrogen from your system and lowers risk of uterine cancer and breast cancer. It also contains many anti-carcinogenic compounds such as beta-carotene, Diindolylmethane, glucoraphanin, selenium, and other vitamins like vitamin E, C, and A. Therefore, regular consumption of broccoli may greatly reduce your risk of developing cancer.
11. It Keeps You Young
As mentioned already, broccoli is a rich source of vitamin C, which neutralizes free radicals in your body. These free radicals can cause cellular damage and make you deal with aging effects. Vitamin C in broccoli prevents this damage and also offers protection against the harmful UV rays and pollution. It lowers your risk of getting wrinkles and improves overall skin texture at the same time. It also supports the formation of collagen and improves skin elasticity. Citrus fruit is certainly a good source of vitamin C, but broccoli is just as effective, as a cup of broccoli offers 81mg of vitamin C, which is more than your recommended daily intake of vitamin C. It also provides you with vitamin E and vitamin A that play a role in keeping you look young.