Health Benefits Of Broccoli

The long list of broccoli health benefits makes it one of the most popular vegetables today. One of the biggest advantages is that broccoli is available throughout the year and can therefore be a part of a healthy daily diet. Broccoli is a rich source of vitamin C that helps the body in the absorption of iron and prevents eye problems like cataracts. Regular consumption of broccoli can alleviate the symptoms of a common cold.

For Women:

One of the biggest broccoli benefits for women is that it contains folic acid, which helps in sustaining normal growth of tissues in the female body. Folic acid is also used as a supplement during pregnancy and while taking birth control pills.

Broccoli is also rich in potassium and calcium that help in treating high blood pressure and osteoporosis. Being rich in fiber it helps in enhancing the gastrointestinal tract and also helps in lowering blood cholesterol levels in the body.

For Men:

One of the main broccoli benefits for men is that it is very rich in vitamin A, which men require for the proper functioning of the immune system and maintaining good bone strength and eyesight. It is also rich in vitamin C, which is helpful in healing ligament and muscle injuries especially in the case of athletic men.

Nutrients In Broccoli & Nutrition Facts

The best way to preserve broccoli nutrition is to eat it raw. A good way to eat raw broccoli is by combining it with a nutritious dip. Boiling, steaming and baking are other healthy ways of consuming broccoli. Other methods of cooking like frying can strip off some of the essential nutrients in broccoli and negate its health benefits. Broccoli contains vital antioxidants and phytochemicals that help in fighting a number of diseases and build a strong healthy body. These include beta-carotene, folate, glucarate, lutein, quercetin, indoles, glutathione and isothiocyanates. Broccoli is also beneficial in the treatment of breast, colon and lung cancer. It helps in suppressing breast cancer by eliminating estrogen from the body. One of the most important broccoli nutrition facts is that it contains cholesterol-reducing fibers that in turn help in maintaining good heart health. It also contains vital antiviral and antiulcer properties. Broccoli nutritional value has been in the spotlight only in recent years and this vegetable is a powerhouse of nutritional benefits.

Broccoli Advantages For Skin Problems

Although using broccoli for skin problems is not very common, research has shown that broccoli can help prevent skin damage from sunburn. Broccoli produces a compound called sulforaphane that helps in preventing sunburn damage. This compound reduces the inflammation caused by the UV rays of the sun and thereby prevents skin cell damage. This in turn helps in reducing the risk of skin cancer. Furthermore, this compound also encourages the production of proteins that can suppress the growth of tumors in the body. Broccoli is a natural cancer fighter and should therefore be included in the daily diet to reduce the risk of cancer.

Acne:

Experts also recommend using broccoli for acne problems. An accumulation of toxins in the body causes acne and regular consumption of broccoli can reduce accumulation of toxins and prevent acne. The same compound sulforaphane that helps in fighting cancer also helps in eliminating toxins from the body. The antioxidants found in broccoli help in reducing oxidative stress on the skin and body which is one of the main causes of acne and other skin problems. Therefore, broccoli is one of the most natural treatments for problems like acne and pimples. People who suffer from acne should try to eat raw broccoli as far as possible for getting the best results.

Broccoli And Weight Loss:

Many people also use broccoli for weight loss. Although broccoli is laden with a large quantity of essential nutrients, it is very low in calories and therefore beneficial for those wanting to lose weight. Although it is low in calories, it can help you stay satiated longer and prevent binge eating which in turn helps with weight loss. In addition to including broccoli in the daily diet, it can also substitute other unhealthy foods that can lead to weight gain. Broccoli not only helps in weight loss it also reduces cholesterol, boosts cardiac health and reduces the risk of various cancers. Broccoli is rich in fiber that helps in boosting metabolism and in turn helps in healthy weight loss. Healthy ways of cooking broccoli such as steaming, grilling, baking and boiling can help a person lose weight faster. People who are overweight and obese should include broccoli in their daily diet to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and hypertension which are closely associated with obesity.

Benefits Of Broccoli For Diabetes And Blood Sugar:

These days many doctors recommend the consumption of broccoli for diabetes prevention and cure. Diabetic patients are 5 times more vulnerable to heart problems as compared to healthy individuals. Broccoli is a rich source of chromium that helps in regulating blood sugar and insulin. Experts believe that consumption of broccoli can reverse the damage caused to the blood vessels of the heart by diabetes. This is because of the compound sulforaphane found in broccoli that increases the production of enzymes that protect the blood vessels. People with diabetes are always at a higher risk of developing heart problems because of damaged blood vessels and therefore regular consumption of broccoli can help solve this problem. Sulforaphane helps arrest the development of vascular disease in diabetic patients and prevents further heart damage. This compound also protects the circulatory system in the body from oxidative stress and activates the detoxifying enzymes in the body. Regular consumption of broccoli can help regulate blood sugar levels in diabetic patients and safeguard them from serious health risks. In addition to broccoli, other vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, radish and turnips should also be eaten regularly by diabetic patients as they have similar health benefits.

Uses Of Broccoli In Digestive Problems:

Even though broccoli has a number of health benefits, in cases of problems like diarrhea, it could worsen the situation. Experts recommend staying away from broccoli for diarrhea treatment and prevention. People who suffer from abdominal gas should try to stay away from broccoli as far as possible as it could lead to or worsen existing diarrhea. Although broccoli may not be the direct cause of diarrhea, it may worsen the situation. However, people who suffer from gas problems should limit their intake of broccoli as it can produce intestinal gas.

Upset Stomach:

It is best to avoid eating broccoli for an upset stomach as broccoli can increase the quantity of undigested food passing through the large intestine, which in turn can cause further digestive problems. It is safer to eat other vegetables like green beans, summer squash and asparagus which are lighter on the stomach and can be digested easily.

Constipation:

On the other hand, many people recommend eating broccoli for constipation problems. This is mainly because broccoli contains rich fibers that can help regulate the movement of bowels. In the case of constipation, it is best to eat broccoli raw so that none of its nutrients is lost. You can eat it as a salad or use it as a part of your cooking. Broccoli juice consumed first thing in the morning on an empty stomach is a good remedy for constipation. If you want to eat boiled broccoli, avoid boiling it for more than 5 minutes, as its vital sulforaphane content will be lost.

Using Broccoli For Arthritis:

Many studies and research have highlighted the benefits of broccoli for arthritis. This is again because of its sulforaphane content that helps in blocking the enzymes that cause the destruction of joints in arthritis. This compound helps in slowing down and preventing the development of arthritis. Regular consumption of broccoli increases sulforaphane levels in the blood, which in turn helps prevent arthritis. This compound also contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties that are very beneficial to arthritis patients. Apart from this, broccoli is also rich in salicylic acid that helps in relieving joint pain caused in arthritis. This salicylic acid inhibits the production of prostaglandin hormones thereby reducing inflammation, swelling and tenderness in the joints. People who have low levels of vitamin C in their body are always at a higher risk of arthritis. Broccoli is a rich source of vitamin C that can protect as well as heal degenerated cartilages. It also reduces free radical damage to various joints in the body. Broccoli can also enhance the absorption of calcium in the body that is important for maintaining and building strong bones. Similarly, people who have low levels of selenium in their blood are also at a higher risk of developing arthritis. Selenium helps in strengthening the cartilages by fighting free radicals in the body. Foods like broccoli and garlic are excellent sources of selenium and must be included in the diet of such people to combat the risk of arthritis. Broccoli is also a rich source of glutathione that is a powerful antioxidant, which helps in the detoxification of cells in the body. Broccoli also increases immunity and helps the body fight a myriad of other diseases.

Submitted on January 16, 2014