The word ‘broccoli’ probably leaves a bad taste in your mouth but think again. There are lots more benefits to eating broccoli. Broccoli is a vegetable (another name with a bad rep) from the same family as kale, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, bok choy (pak choi), and cabbage. It is high in carbs and fiber which makes it an awesome diet aid.
Wondering why you should eat broccoli? Here are some benefits of eating broccoli that you might not have given thought.
Benefits of Eating Broccoli
Decreased Risk of Chronic Diseases
Broccoli contains folate which decreases the risk of breast cancer in women. It even helps with other kinds of cancers like colon, stomach, pancreatic, and cervical cancers. It also helps lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and enhances weight loss for obese patients, making it really useful for diabetic patients.
2. Stronger Bones
It helps in the metabolism of vitamin D. It is NOT a source, it just helps with metabolism. More vitamin D means more calcium which helps with bone health. It cannot replace milk or other major sources of proteins but for vegetarians, it could go a really long way. It also contains
phytochemicals that are shown to benefit arthritis.
Broccoli is not only bitter, it’s beautiful. Ever heard of the golden ratio? Check out this photo of Romanesco broccoli.
3. Fountain of Youth
Okay, maybe not the actual fountain of youth but broccoli makes you look younger. How? You may ask. Broccoli is a good source of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps in making collagen which is a main component of the skin. It also helps in protecting the skin from damage from the sun and pollution. To supplement, it reduces wrinkles and general skin texture. All aided by glucoraphanin contained in only broccoli and cauliflower.
Younger broccoli sprouts have at least 20 times the amount of protective chemical compounds as mature ones.
Other simple but worthy to note benefits are:
- It is an excellent source of chromium, fiber, vitamin K & C.
- It can decrease risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and overall mortality (score for the vegetarians).
- It is a good source of sulphur, in the form of sulforaphane.
- It aids in digestion and natural detoxification.
- It is an excellent source of vitamins including vitamin B6, Vitamin E, Manganese, phosphorus, Vitamin B2, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, and Copper.
- It is a good source of omega-3 fats which help reduce the risk of heart disease.
As amazing as broccoli is, it has it’s own side effects which arise from excessive consumption. Gas and bowel irritation may occur, as with most vegetables. Broccoli pairs well with garlic, asparagus, tomatoes, parsley, spinach, and even zucchinis. However consumed, raw or tender-crisp, broccoli is a vegetable you should invest in. What are the benefits of eating broccoli again? It definitely promotes good health and should be added to your diet.
