Broccoli is a hearty, tasty vegetable that belongs to the same as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower. This cruciferous vegetable is packed with a multitude of nutrients and is known to a super food.
Low in calories, yet rich in vitamins and phytonutrients, broccoli is a super cool food to be included in your daily diet. Here are some of the benefits this green-hued floret vegetable has in store for our health!
1. Eases Osteoarthritis
Various studies conducted on broccoli reveal the rich presence of the sulforaphane. This particular sulfur-dense compound has the potential to impair the functioning of the cartilage damaging enzymes. Hence, it is advisable to include this vegetable in your diet to avert, prevent, and ease osteoarthritis.
2. Rich Anti-Cancerous Properties
Broccoli gets its anti-cancerous properties from two different compounds. It contains the Sulforaphane, an ingredient that has the potential to eradicate the stem cells of the cancer. Thus, it helps in restricting the growth of tumors at the root level itself. Broccoli also contains glucoraphanin, sulforaphane’s precursor, which stimulates the production of those enzymes that shield the cells from cancer triggering chemicals. According to a study that appeared in PLoS One, consuming ten spears of this cruciferous veggie every week can lower the risk of prostate cancer in men.
3. Regulates The Kidney Functioning
According to a study conducted on hypertensive rats that had impaired renal functioning, daily consumption of sulforaphane -rich broccoli lowers the level of blood pressure. This, on the other hand, helps in regulating the functioning of the kidneys.
4. Boosts Immunity
The sulforaphane in broccoli is a very powerful natural antioxidant that helps in reducing the oxidative stress. Once the free radicals are eliminated from the body, the immunity system works in a better way.
5. Shields Diabetics From Cardiac Conditions
Diabetics are known to suffer from cardiovascular conditions five times more likely than non-diabetics. The inclusion of this sulforaphane-abundant veggie in the diet of diabetics helps in lowering the count of Reactive Oxygen Species by about 73%, thus shielding the cardiovascular system from stroke and heart attacks.
6. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The lush presence of kaempferol, a flavonoid, helps broccoli to showcase anti-inflammatory characteristics. Thus, you can consume this cruciferous veggie daily to combat inflammatory health conditions and allergies.
7. Good For Digestive System
Broccoli contains a generous amount of fiber that facilitate better digestion. The fiber also helps in alleviating constipation troubles by binding with the stool and softening those.
8. Boosts Eye Health
The high levels of carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, present in broccoli improves eye health and protects it from age-related vision disorders.
9. Good For Heart Health
Broccoli contains leutin, an antioxidant, which could help in preventing the arteries from thickening, in turn, supporting heart health.
10. Aids In Weight Loss
Broccoli is rich in fiber and good carbohydrates. These ingredients help in keeping you full and prevent overeating, thus aiding in weight loss.
11. Detoxification
Broccoli is rich in phytonutrients – gluconasturtiin, glucobrassicin, and glucoraphanin. These phytonutrients stimulate the activation, neutralization, and purging of the toxins and contaminants from the human body. It is also rich in fibers and a compound called isothiocyanates. All these compounds work in a synchronized way, thereby promoting detoxification from a genetic level.
12. Good For Hair
Broccoli is packed generously with a wide array of vitamins including A and C and minerals such as calcium. While the antioxidant regulates the production of sebum and prevent oxidative stresses, calcium strengthens the hair follicles. Thus broccoli promotes longer and stronger hair. The vitamin B6 in this cruciferous veggie eliminates the frizz. The oil extracted from the seeds of broccoli contains the omega-9 fatty acid, erucic acid, which helps in giving a beautiful shine to the hair.
13. Beneficial For The Skin
Broccoli is blessed generously with a wide array of nutrients, including a plethora of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. The antioxidants ward off the free radicals and combat the inflammation. The chemical, sulforaphane, present in broccoli protects the skin from the harmful rays of the sun by acting as a natural sunscreen. This particular chemical is also known to ease the redness and itching skin experiences. The various phytonutrients and flavonoids present in this cruciferous veggie keep the skin moisturized and young.
Start including broccoli in your diet right away to reap its benefits!