15 Fabulous Health Benefits of Broccoli (One of the Best Super foods of the Century)

Updated on January 9th, 2020
fabulous health benefits of broccoli

All you need is a cup of steamed Broccoli a day for a powerful nutritious boost. Broccoli might not taste scrumptious, but Health Benefits of Broccoli is immense and when properly cooked, can turn out to be savory, delicious and richly nutritious.

What is Broccoli?

Broccoli is a vegetable that belongs to the cabbage family. It is a cruciferous vegetable that can be eaten raw, boiled, steamed or cooked in a curry.

There are different types of Broccoli, the most popular of them include Calabrese Broccoli of Italy, Sprouting Broccoli with several heads, Broccoflower that is a hybrid of cauliflower and Broccoli, Broccoli rabe with edible yellow flowers, Gai-lan Broccoli of China and Purple cauliflower of Europe and North America.

Broccoli Nutrition Facts

Broccoli consists of sodium, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, sugar, proteins, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6 and C and minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, copper, selenium, manganese, fluoride and iron.

There are 2.8 grams of protein in Broccoli of 100 grams serving. The major vitamins in Broccoli include vitamins A and C(1).

Top 15 Amazing Health Benefits of the Broccoli Vegetable

The superfood of the 21st century, Broccoli is vested with a plethora of health benefits. Read on to learn more ways in which the vegetable benefits health and protects the body.

1. Health Benefits of Broccoli in the Prevention of Cancer

broccoli in the prevention of cancer

Broccoli contains glucosinolates that are sulfur-rich compounds. After digestion, these compounds disintegrate to form compounds like indole-3-carbinol that has a potent anti-carcinogenic nature. Raw Broccoli benefits health through the prevention of colon, breast, and prostate cancer.

Broccoli also contains sulforaphane that aids in regular division and functioning of the cell and promotes the apoptosis or death of cell afflicted with cancer. It prevents metastasis of cancerous cells and enhances body immunity. Its rich variety of antioxidants prevents and cures skin cancer as well.

2. Benefits of Eating Broccoli for Detoxification

Raw Broccoli benefits health with its dynamic constituents of glucobrassicin, gluconasturtiin, and glucoraphanin. These three compounds neutralize and get rid of toxins and cleanse the blood thoroughly.

The Broccoli sprouts health benefits for detoxification is implemented through the sulforaphane present in the sprouts that provides protection to the aerobic cells through the inducing the activity of detoxifying enzymes. You can also make yourself a cup of warm Broccoli sprout tea for detoxification.

Steamed Broccoli aids in the removal of toxins and antigens and protects the body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals.

3. Benefits of Steamed Broccoli for Healthy Bones and Teeth

If you have issues with bone density, weakness of bones and wobbly rooted teeth, then it’s high time to resort to a cup of steamed Broccoli for its amazing nutritional benefits.

Broccoli is an excellent source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and vitamin K. These minerals and vitamins work in unison to build strong bones and strengthen the roots of teeth.

It protects the body against osteoporosis, which is a disease characterized by rickety bones and weakened roots of teeth. It aids in the development of bone tissues and enhances bone density.

[Read: How to Prevent Bone Cancer Naturally]

4. Broccoli Benefits Weight Loss

broccoli benefits weight loss

A cup of steamed Broccoli for breakfast is highly beneficial for shedding the flab and looking fit. The vegetable is rich in fibrous content and is very low in calories.

It helps to accelerate the rate of metabolism in the body, which aids in the maintenance of body weight at normal levels. The vitamin c and calcium present in Broccoli boosts the metabolic rate and the dietary fiber increases the Thermic Effect of food. Regular consumption of steamed and peppered Broccoli helps to feel full at low-calorie intake.

Recommended Read: Benefits of holy basil for weight loss

5. Broccoli Benefits for Skin

Raw Broccoli consists of glucoraphanin which converts into sulforaphane, a compound of organic sulfur that is highly beneficial for the health and glow of the skin.

Broccoli sprout extract protects the skin from cancer and rashes and fights against damage caused by ultraviolet rays from exposure to the Sun. Broccoli juice is especially beneficial for skin because of its rich nutritious content.

Topical application of the juice can cure minor cuts, bruises, skin inflammation and insect bites. The juice is rich in vitamins and minerals that nourish the skin from within and give it a healthy glow.

It cures dry skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis by keeping the skin well moisturized. Broccoli juice is especially beneficial for facial skin and can be applied to the face every night for the prevention of premature aging, wrinkling, and pimples.

Also Read: home remedies for skin rashes

6. Broccoli Juice Benefits for Ocular Health

broccoli juice benefits for ocular health

Broccoli juice is highly beneficial for ocular health and vision because of its rich content of sulforaphane, which is a potent antioxidant that protects the eyes from oxidative stress and from the toxic effects of ultraviolet rays of the sun and free radicals.

The juice also contains zeaxanthin and lutein that is crucial for the health of the eyes and can even prevent blindness and eye disorders like macular degeneration and cataracts. It also prevents and cures problems like visual impairment and indistinctness of vision.

Also Read: home remedies for an eye infection

7. Broccoli Rabe Health Benefits for the Cure of Cardiac Problems

Broccoli rabe is rich in sulforaphane that protects the blood vessels from damage and cures the stress inflicted in blood vessel linings. It enhances the pumping mechanism of the heart and improves blood circulation.

Consumption of Broccoli rabe reduces the risks of coronary heart diseases through the cure cardiac inflammation and oxidation of veins and arteries.

Its rich fibrous content aids in the regulation of cholesterol level and provides protection against atherosclerosis, a common heart disease that occurs due to hardening of arteries from the deposition of excess cholesterol. Broccoli is rich in potassium that acts as a vasodilator and relaxes blood vessels to reduce cardiovascular strain.

Also Read: signs of a heart attack

8. Raw Broccoli Benefits for the Cure of Allergic Reactions

Broccoli when eaten raw takes just 2-3 days to boost the generation of proteins in the body exponentially, which in turn produce potent antioxidants in the nasal region. This aids in the cure of allergic reactions like itchiness, skin rashes, and sneezing fits.

Raw Broccoli is rich in polyphenolic compounds like kaempferol and quercetin, which are strongly anti-allergic in nature. Quercetin is even the primary ingredient of major anti-allergic drugs in the market. Broccoli is especially beneficial for the treatment of respiratory problems like asthma.

It contains sulforaphane that facilitates the production of antioxidative enzymes in the airways and canals. This protects the respiratory system from oxidative damage caused by toxic free radicals and other contaminants that get filtered into the system from the air we breathe in.

9. Health Benefits of Broccoli Leaves for Diabetics

health benefits of broccoli leaves for diabetics

Broccoli leaves are vested with a rich assortment of antioxidants that work together to reduce the levels of high blood glucose(2). The fibrous content helps to combat a sudden rise in blood sugar.

Diabetics suffer from stiffness in the aorta and oxidative damage. This is countered by the antioxidants which in turn help to normalize the blood sugar level. The sulforaphane aids in the prevention of damage to the blood vessels caused by a sudden spike in blood sugar.

The compound activates the action of particular enzymes that inhibit the damaging action and keep the blood sugar under control. Besides, eating a cup of steamed Broccoli leaves and the veggies help to delay the disintegration of the ingested food into sugar thereby keeping the blood glucose levels in check.

[Read: Diabetic Neuropathy Natural Treatment]

10. Health Benefits of Broccoli for the Effective Alleviation of Arthritis

Broccoli is known for its strong anti-inflammatory action which helps to combat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The vegetable helps in the natural cure of arthritic aches and treats the inflammation and swelling in joints.

It is especially beneficial for the natural therapy and cure of cramped and aching muscles because of its potent analgesic nature. You can even soak a clean cloth in hot Broccoli juice and then wrap the soaked and warmed cloth around your arthritic joints to heal the pain with direct anti-inflammatory, analgesic and thermal action.

11. Broccoli Health Benefits for Lustrous Hair

broccoli health benefits for lustrous hair

Broccoli is a powerhouse of vitamins that helps to make the hair glow with health and nourishment. The vitamin C fights against toxic free radicals and prevents the loss of hair. It helps in the generation of sebum in the scalp which helps to keep it naturally hydrated.

The oil obtained from Broccoli seeds possesses a unique combination of fatty acids. This oil is highly beneficial for the growth and strength of hair. Broccoli seed oil is composed of omega 9 fatty acids or erucic acid that acts as a natural and nourishing hair conditioner to protect and strengthen the hair follicles and prevent balding.

You can also prepare a hair spa mask using Broccoli juice and egg whites and then massage your scalp, roots, and hair with the mask to prevent the occurrence of lice and dandruff and problems like scalp psoriasis.

The anti-inflammatory action of Broccoli provides protection to the scalp and hair from permanent balding or Cicatricial alopecia. Overall, consumption of Broccoli or application of Broccoli juice and Broccoli seed oil is highly beneficial for the growth and development of hair.

Recommended Read: How to stop hair fall naturally

12. Broccoli Nutritional Benefits for the Development of Brain Health

Broccoli possesses two nutrients choline and vitamin K that are crucial for the healthy functioning of the brain. Vitamin K is required for the enhancement of the cognitive ability of the brain, whereas choline aids in the improvement of memory power and retention.

Broccoli is also rich in folic acid that prevents Alzheimer’s disease and cures depression, stress, and anxiety. Broccoli helps in the cure of neuroinflammation with its anti-inflammatory properties.

Sulforaphane present in Broccoli improves spatial memory and other brain defects caused by trauma and serious injuries to the head. The beta-carotene compounds found in Broccoli prevents cognitive degeneration and enhances mental performance.

13. Broccoli Sprouts Health Benefits for the Liver

Broccoli sprouts are highly beneficial for the smooth functioning of the liver. It increases the level of detox enzymes and protects the liver from oxidative stress. A bowl of steamed Broccoli sprouts a day helps in the prevention of hepatic failure.

Consumption of dietary Broccoli can even help to prevent fatty liver disease. It also prevents and cure liver cancer and protects the liver from the side effects of chemotherapy radiations.

Broccoli juice can be taken to protect the liver from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. It increases the sensitivity of the liver to insulin and decreases the liver index and controls the enzymatic activities of the liver.

14. Benefits of Eating Broccoli during Pregnancy

benefits of eating broccoli during pregnancy

Broccoli is a superfood and is a powerhouse of excellent nutrients which makes it highly beneficial for the health of pregnant women(3). Broccoli is rich in iron, which is highly essential for the production of RBCs to protect the pregnant woman from anemia.

The carbohydrate content of Broccoli generates energy and stamina in the mother. Its array of vitamins and minerals is highly beneficial for the protection of the fetus. The fiber present in Broccoli maintains regularity in bowel movement and preserves digestive health.

The folate contained in Broccoli prevents neurological defects in the fetus. Eating a cup of steamed Broccoli daily during the pregnancy prevents gestational diabetes and injury to the brain.

15. Broccoli Health Benefits for the improvement of Male Sexual Health

Broccoli is a rich source of folate that enhances the production of semen and sperms. It induces stronger and longer orgasms and improves the rate of fertility in males. The vitamin A content of Broccoli improves the sperm count and prevents prostate and urinary bladder problems in men.

FAQs

1. Can Broccoli be bad for you?

Response: Broccoli is highly beneficial for health.

2. How much Broccoli can I eat per day?

Response: You can have a cup or two Broccoli per day.

3. How many calories in Broccoli?

Response: The calories in Broccoli constitute 34 calories in 100 grams serving.

4. Is Broccoli good for you?

Response: Yes, Broccoli is good for health.

5. How much protein in Broccoli?

Response: There are 2.8 grams of protein in Broccoli per 100 grams serving.

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