10 reasons to eat broccoli

10 reasons to eat broccoli

There are so many reasons to eat broccoli. It is part of the cruciferous vegetable family, which means it is packed with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals for overall health.

Let’s take a look at 10 reasons to eat broccoli.

1. Anti-inflammatory properties:
This potent cruciferous is an excellent source of phytonutrients called kaempferol and isothiocyanates, which help reduce inflammation. Chronic inflammation is considered a major risk factor for serious disease including heart disease, cancer, and arthritis.

2. Bone health:
Broccoli is an excellent source of calcium and vitamin K, which are well known to help promote health bones and prevent osteoporosis.

3. Detoxification:
Broccoli contains compounds called glucoraphanin, gluconasturtiin and glucobrassicin, which are phytonutrients that help facilitate the body’s natural detoxification process. The detox process helps get rid of unwanted toxins and contaminants in the body.

4. Heart health:
Broccoli is a good source of lutein, which may prevent arteries from thickening, therefore helping prevent stroke and cardiovascular disease. The vitamin B6 and folate content in broccoli helps reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

5. Immune booster:
Broccoli is a great source of beta-carotene, which is an immune boosting antioxidant. The zinc and selenium content also help strengthen the immune system.

6. Improves digestion:
Dietary fiber is a key nutrient for improving digestive health and preventing constipation. One cup of broccoli contains 2.4g of dietary fiber, which is 9 percent of the recommended daily value.

7. Lowers blood pressure:
Broccoli is known as one of nature’s most health promoting foods.

According to an article by Dr. Joseph Mercola, broccoli contains a compound called glucosinolate. This compound produces sulforaphane, which can help improve blood pressure.

8. May help fight cancer:
Broccoli contains a substance called glucoraphanin, which is turned into sulforaphane in the body. Sulforaphane rids the body of the bacteria H. Pylori, which is linked to gastric cancer. Broccoli is also high in indole-3-carbinol, which according to the Linus Pauling Institute is thought to stop the growth of cervical, prostate, and breast cancers.

9. May target cancer stem cells:
A compound and an enzyme that are found in cruciferous vegetables including broccoli, watercress, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts may help prevent the spread and recurrence of some cancers, according new research from South Dakota State University.

10. Rich in vitamin C:
One cup of broccoli contains a whopping 135% of the recommended daily value for vitamin C. This popular vitamin is well known for its antioxidant properties and its ability to bolster the immune system.

Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.

For the health benefits of broccoli.
For a cancer fighting broccoli smoothie recipe.

REFERENCES:
1. “Plant-Derived Compound Targets Cancer Stem Cells.” Newswise. South Dakota State University, 5 May 2015. Web. 26 May 2015.
2. “Phenethyl Isothiocyanate Upregulates Death Receptors 4 and 5 and Inhibits Proliferation in Human Cancer Stem-like Cells.” BMC Cancer. BioMed Central, 15 Aug. 2014. Web. 26 May 2015.
3. “Broccoli Helps Improve Blood Pressure.” Mercola.com. Dr. Joseph Mercola, 23 Sept. 2012. Web. 26 May 2015.
4. “Calcium and Osteoporosis.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, Aug. 2007. Web. 26 May 2015.
5. “Indole-3-Carbinol.” Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. N.p., July 2005. Web. 26 May 2015.
6. “What Are the Health Benefits of Broccoli?Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, 30 Apr. 2015. Web. 26 May 2015.
7. “Nutrition Facts and Analysis for Broccoli, Raw.” Self Nutrition Data. Self Nutrition Data, n.d. Web. 26 May 2015.

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