EBN- Broccoli is a green vegetable that is often viewed as a superfood, packed with nutrients and health benefits that make it a great addition to any diet. It is one of the most beneficial vegetables for human health, thanks to its rich and varied nutritional components.
Broccoli plays an important role in preventing chronic diseases, by promoting heart health and improving kidney health.
Through this article, we will learn about the amazing health benefits of broccoli , and why you should consider adding it to your meals.
Broccoli and overall health
It also known as cauliflower, is a vegetable that is rich in essential vitamins and minerals , as well as antioxidants, fiber, and bioactive compounds. According to a study published in the Cleveland Clinic, it belongs to the cruciferous family of vegetables, which includes cauliflower, cabbage, and kale. This family is known for its many health benefits. Broccoli is low in calories, with only 34 calories per 100 grams, making it an ideal choice for a variety of diets.
Furthermore, broccoli’s calories decrease when cooked, dropping from 34 calories to 27 calories per 100 grams.
The study indicates that it is loaded with fiber, folate, and vitamins, is incredibly versatile, and can be used in many different dishes.
With its abundance of nutrients, there are many benefits to eating broccoli to promote health; Especially since some of the nutrients in it contribute greatly to: reducing the risk of cancer , controlling blood sugar, protecting the lining of the small intestine, boosting immunity and protecting cells from damage.
When the lining of the small intestine is healthy, it only allows water and nutrients to pass through it into the bloodstream. But when the lining cells are damaged, undigested food particles, bacteria and other pathogenic particles may pass through. A damaged lining of the small intestine can lead to infection and inflammation. It can also prevent you from absorbing the nutrients you need.
Broccoli and Anti-Cancer Compounds.
To shed light on the various health benefits of broccoli, a study published in MedecineNet found that it offers many health benefits, as each half cup contains 15 calories . It is considered a plant rich in minerals and vitamins, such as: calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, riboflavin, in addition to vitamins A, B6, K, and folic acid. it also contains a group of antioxidants that protect against diseases and help fight them.
The study adds that it is not cauliflower, but they belong to the same plant family, the cruciferous family. Some people call cauliflower “white broccoli.” White and green broccoli are similar in many health benefits and nutrients, with some slight differences in some elements.
Broccoli contains anti-cancer compounds called glucosinolates, sulforaphane, and isothiocyanates, and it has much more glucoraphanin than any other vegetable. When we chew or cut broccoli, glucoraphanin, a type of glucosinolate, is converted into sulforaphane, the part responsible for many of the benefits of this vegetable.
It is worth noting that many diets include broccoli, including: the vegetarian diet and the keto diet
Other health benefits of broccoli
Supports Immune Health: Rich in vitamin C, one of the prominent nutrients in broccoli that is essential for the immune system; as it helps the body fight off infections and diseases. One serving of broccoli provides more than the recommended daily intake of vitamin C; which helps keep your immune system strong and healthy.
Antioxidant properties: Broccoli also contains powerful antioxidants that protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants include flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamin C, all of which play a role in maintaining a healthy body and a healthy immune system.
