Despite its terrible taste and texture, broccoli has several health benefits that you may not have known about. From cancer protection to bone health, continue to read to find out about nine surprising health benefits of broccoli.
Cancer Prevention
Broccoli can help prevent cancer because it contains glucoraphanin, which, with the help of our bodies, can process this into the anti-cancer compound sulforaphane. Sulforaphane helps the body eliminate H. pylori, a bacterium that can increase the risk of gastric cancer. Along with gastric cancer, broccoli helps fend off breast, cervical, and prostate cancer because it contains indole-3-carbinol, which also helps increase liver function.
Cholesterol Reduction
Broccoli is filled with soluble fiber, which helps remove cholesterol from your body. Soluble fiber specifically targets LDL cholesterol, considered the "bad" cholesterol, as opposed to the LHD cholesterol, aka the "good" one. LDL cholesterol is considered bad because it clogs up arteries, leading to a series of health problems like heart attacks or strokes.
Reduces Allergy Reaction/Inflammation
Broccoli is a rich source of kaempferol and isothiocyanates, both anti-inflammatory phytonutrients (plant-derived chemicals with anti-inflammatory properties). Studies show that kaempferol can lower the impact of allergy-related substances on our bodies. In addition, broccoli has a decent amount of omega-three fatty acids, which are also anti-inflammatory.
It's A Powerful Antioxidant
An antioxidant is a substance that helps protect cells from damage. Broccoli is the vegetable with the most concentrated vitamin C source. It also contains the flavonoids(a class of polyphenolic compounds found in plants, giving them their vibrant color) necessary for vitamin C to be recycled.
Bone Health
Broccoli is a vegetable containing high levels of calcium and vitamin K. Both are very important for bone health and the prevention of osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones, making them more fragile.
Heart Health
The anti-inflammatory properties of sulforaphane in broccoli are said to potentially be able to prevent or even reverse blood vessel lining damage. Blood vessel lining damage can be caused by inflammation attributable to chronic blood sugar problems.
Detoxification
Broccoli also helps with detoxification with glucoraphanin, gluconasturtiin, and glucobrassicin. These three are special phytonutrients that assist all of the steps in the body's detox process, including activation, neutralization, and elimination of unwanted contaminants. Along with these, broccoli also has isothiocyanates, which help control the process on a genetic level.
Diet Aid
Broccoli is a smart carb and high in fiber. These help with digestion, prevent constipation, maintain low blood sugar, and curb overeating. Along with this, broccoli contains high levels of protein.
Alkalizes Your Body
Broccoli, like many vegetables, keeps your body less acidic. The body's natural pH level likes to be around 7.0 or slightly lower, which helps many body functions.
In conclusion, given its numerous health advantages, broccoli merits another opportunity. These benefits support the notion that broccoli should not be labeled as the worst vegetable. Broccoli deserves some appreciation for all of these helpful benefits, so before you ignore the broccoli on your plate, remember these health benefits and how broccoli can save you.
Source: Alan Tyson from Architech Sports and Physical Therapy
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