Health Benefits Of Broccoli
Loved by some, ugly by others… Broccoli is a “tree” -shaped vegetable from the cruciferous family (which also includes cabbage). In this article, we give you more information about this food rich in nutrients and what are the health benefits of broccoli.
It grows in abundance and is highlighted by the dark green color. At the same time, it is good to know that its thick stem is not edible.
What are the health benefits of broccoli?
Broccoli is a plant that is grown in cold climates and offers a rich harvest in hot summers. It is usually steamed (but more and more people prefer to eat it raw). In addition, its taste is similar to that of cauliflower.
The main producers of broccoli are China, India, the United States, Spain and Italy.
In addition to being tasty, broccoli also contains a lot of nutrients. In the largest quantities are found: vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.
This food also contains generous doses of fiber, selenium and lutein. Moreover, broccoli is distinguished by a rich content of folic acid, iron and vitamin A.
Broccoli for health: a medicinal food
We already know that many fruits and vegetables are used as natural remedies, due to their composition and the nutrients they contain.
Broccoli is distinguished by a multitude of beneficial properties that we can capitalize on if we consume it regularly. Thanks to its phytochemical content, this vegetable offers the following benefits:
Helps prevent cancer
Glucosinolates keep cancer cells at bay. Sinigrin, present in broccoli, is a nutrient that fights cancer. It “stimulates” the natural death of precancerous tumor cells in the stomach and intestines.
Glucosinolates fight the following types of cancer:
- Oral cancer
- Lung or mouth cancer in smokers
- Breast cancer in women
- Prostate cancer
Moreover, this vegetable prevents liver cancer.
Broccoli for health: protects the heart
Folic acid is extremely important because it helps absorb iron in the body and prevent malformations in babies, but also heart disease.
By reducing homocysteine levels, broccoli folic acid prevents myocardial infarction, arrhythmia and arteriosclerosis. It is also recommended for people with hypertension.
Fights anemia
Broccoli is one of the foods richest in iron, which is why it is the ideal choice for patients with anemia.
Of course, it also helps prevent anemia, being recommended for people prone to developing this disease. These include:
- Pregnant women
- Women with heavy menstruation
- People who frequently have nosebleeds
- Breastfeeding mothers
Broccoli for health: helps digestion
The B vitamin complex in broccoli helps produce enzymes. One of these is pepsin, which helps digest food.
If you have gas or problems with the intestinal flora, we recommend that you eat this healthy vegetable at least once a week.
Due to its fiber content, broccoli improves intestinal transit, eliminates toxins from the intestines by evacuating waste and provides a feeling of satiety. Therefore, it is an excellent option for people who want to eat less or who are on a diet.
Fights depression and nervousness
Eating broccoli not only gives a feeling of satiety, but also good mood. This vegetable contributes to the production of dopamine, a substance that fights nervousness, stress and depression.
The magnesium and calcium content also offers a number of benefits:
- It regulates the sleep cycle and prevents insomnia.
- Calms nerves and muscles.
- It regulates the heartbeat.
- Increases energy levels.
Thus, the consumption of broccoli is synonymous with vitality and well-being.
Prevents water retention
This benefit is due to the potassium content, which counteracts the effects of sodium accumulated in the body as a result of excessive salt consumption. If you suffer from edema, hypertension or obesity, do not hesitate to add broccoli to your diet.
Broccoli for health: relieves joint pain
Because it contains potassium and glutathione, broccoli reduces the accumulated serum fluid in the joints. This is an ideal food for people suffering from arthritis or osteoarthritis.
Improves physical appearance
The antioxidants in this cruciferous vegetable help to detoxify the body, helping us to look younger and more beautiful.
Broccoli has the ability to stimulate liver function and cleanse the blood (which is equivalent to a healthier complexion). In addition, it prevents hair loss and relieves skin problems (acne, dryness, blemishes, wrinkles).
Regulates the thyroid gland
All crucifers, including broccoli, help reduce the production of thyroid hormones. As a result, they are recommended for people with hyperthyroidism.
Consumption of these vegetables is not indicated for patients with hypothyroidism, because it can lower too much the level of these hormones, causing various problems.
To enjoy all the benefits of broccoli, you can steam it for 3-5 minutes, to ensure that it retains its phytochemicals and nutrients in the composition (most of them are lost at high temperatures, such as boiling). At the end, season it with a little olive oil and garlic.
It is a simple, tasty and healthy recipe!
