Living a healthy life has become the talk of the century. These days people are more concerned about what they eat rather than just eating anything that they are served with. It is for this reason that probably you are going through this critique trying to find out whether the broccoli you are planning to shop for is of benefit to your health. Well, certainly broccoli is very important to the body as it offers a wide array of nutrients to ensure that you are healthy and happy. Below are some of the most important benefits that broccoli would have on your health.
Prevention of cancer
Broccoli is well known to contain glucoraphanin. This compound is normally processed by the body to form sulforaphane which is a compound that helps in prevention of cancer in the body. Sulforaphane ensures that the body gets rid of H. pylori as this bacterium would only lead to gastric cancer. Medics also argue that broccoli is rich in indole-3-carbinol. This is an ati-carcinogen and also an antioxidant that helps in prevention of several types of cancer including: breast cancer, prostate cancer and cervical cancer. This ability of fight cancer in the body is also evident in other vegetables e.g. Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower.
Reduction or prevention of allergies and inflammation
Anti-inflammatory nutrients that are present in broccoli include isothiocyanates and kaempferol. Research has proven that kaempferol is capable of preventing or reducing the body from being allergic to foods that you take in. Omega 3 fatty acids are also known to help in the prevention of inflammation. These fatty acids are also present in broccoli.
Antioxidants
Broccoli stands out among the cruciferous veggies considering the fact that its vitamin C content is considered as the highest. Carotenoids e.g. beta-carotene, zeaxanthin and lutein are also present in large amounts in the broccoli. These carotenoids are also regarded as powerful antioxidants in the body.
Strong and healthy bones
For strong and healthy bones, it is advisable to take in vitamin K and calcium. Both of these nutrients are present in broccoli. Keep in mind that healthy bones would simply prevent osteoporosis from affecting you.
Maintaining your heart’s health
Damages caused to the blood vessels might lead to long term effects e.g. heart problems. These damages can be reversed by anti-inflammatory nutrients such as sulforaphane which are present in broccoli. This implies that your heart would always be healthy by simply making the best out of nutrients that broccoli offers.
Detoxification
Detoxification is basically the process of removing toxic substances from the body. Broccoli has got nutrients that help the body perform detox process on its own. Some of these phytonutrients include: Glucoraphanin, glucobrassicin and gluconasturtiin.
Lastly, in addition to the above mentioned health benefits of broccoli, it is famous for having minerals that are essential to the body. Some of the nutrients that you would be accessing by using broccoli include: manganese, magnesium, calcium, zinc, phosphorous and selenium. Therefore, if you are thinking about shopping for foods that would help you live a healthy life, then broccoli should be among the top in the list.
