6 Reasons Why Eating Broccoli Is Good For Your Health

Broccoli is an edible green vegetable that belongs to the cabbage family and is mainly grown for its flowering head. Some common varieties of broccoli are- Calabrese Broccoli, Sprouting Broccoli, and Purple Broccoli.

Being an excellent source of several nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, polyphenols, and dietary fibers, etc, broccoli provides several health and beauty benefits. We will learn more about these benefits shortly.

# Reduces The Risk Of Several Types Of Cancers

Vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols, etc in the broccoli protects our cells and tissues from the oxidative stress caused by the free radicals, and thus minimizes the risk of several cancers like prostate cancer, colon cancer, abdominal cancer, intestinal cancer, etc.As per National Cancer Institute, a sulfurous compound called “Glucosinolates” in broccoli break down to form biologically active compounds like Indole-3 Carbinol that inhibits the growth of cancer cells. Additionally, Sulforaphane, a naturally occurring sulfur in broccoli supports apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells and supports normal cell functions and division.Eating 3 servings of broccoli per week may reduce cancer risk by 60 percent.

# Aids In Removing Toxins From Our System

The detoxifying properties of the dietary fibers in broccoli eliminates toxins, pollutants, impurities, and other unwanted substances from our system, and thus prevents these toxins from causing havoc to our health.They also reduce the burden of detoxification from our vital organs like the liver and kidneys to some extent and allows them to concentrate on other functions they need to perform.Antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin A protect the liver and kidneys from free radical damage and thus improve their functionality of getting rid of toxins, pollutants, and unwanted substances from the body.

Additionally, glucoraphanin, gluconasturtiin, and glucobrassicin, etc in the broccoli also contribute to detoxification in our body. The detoxification network enzymes induced by the sulforaphane compound in broccoli protect the aerobic cells from damage.As per an 8-week study, individuals who consume broccoli sprout tea had a higher level of detoxification in comparison to another group that didn’t consume broccoli sprouts.

Broccoli also decreases benzene and acrolein levels in the blood sample. Both these compounds are toxic products of chemical combustion found in highly polluted areas.

# Strengthens Our Bones And Teeth

Calcium, a vital mineral present in the broccoli strengthens our bones and teeth, and thus reduces the risk of osteoporosis.Osteoporosis is a bone disorder in which our bones become weak and fragile and are prone to damage and fracture. Other nutrients like vitamin K, potassium, and magnesium also contribute to bone health as they improve bone density.

These minerals play a significant role in making our bones and teeth stronger, and aids in maintaining bone mineral density.Eating a single cup of broccoli provides 270 percent of the daily requirement of vitamin K.

# Helps In Regulating Blood Pressure

Potassium, a natural vasodilator present in the broccoli relaxes our blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and thus provides relief from hypertension or high blood pressure.

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a silent killer that affects millions of people around the world and is a leading cause of various cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, and coronary artery disease.Chromium present in the broccoli enhances the functioning of insulin and also regulates blood pressure levels.Dietary fibers and Omega-3 fatty acids in the broccoli also aid in regulating blood pressure.

# Manages Cholesterol Level

Broccoli is beneficial for managing our cholesterol levels.The dietary fibers in the broccoli reduce the level of bad LDL cholesterol and thus minimize the risk of atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a condition that causes hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits within the arterial walls and is a leading cause of various cardiovascular problems like heart attack, blockage of arteries heart stroke, and coronary artery disease.

# Keeps Our Cardiovascular System Healthy

Broccoli is good for the heart and improves our cardiovascular health due to the abundance of vital nutrients in them.Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A and other relevant compounds in the broccoli protect our cardiovascular system from free radical damage. The anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin C protect our cardiovascular system from inflammation.

The vasodilating properties of the “Potassium” relax blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and thus provides relief from hypertension, a leading cause of various cardiovascular problems.Sulforaphane present in the broccoli is also effective against hypertension. Additionally, the dietary fibers in broccoli reduce LDL cholesterol and thus minimizes the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition that leads to hardening and narrowing of the arteries and is a leading cause of cardiovascular issues.