benefits of broccoli

Benefits of Broccoli

11. Bone health
Broccoli contains high levels of both calcium and vitamin K, both of which are important for bone health and prevention of osteoporosis. it contains very good amounts of another anti oxidant vitamin, vitamin A. 100 g fresh head provides 623 IU or 21 % of recommended daily levels. Together with other pro vitamins like beta carotene, alpha carotene, and zea xanthin, vitamin A helps maintain integrity of skin and mucus membranes. Vitamin A is essential for healthy eye sight and helps prevent from macular degeneration of the retina in the elderly population.
12. Heart health
The anti inflammatory properties of sulforaphane, one of the isothiocyanates (ITCs) in broccoli, may be able to prevent (or even reverse) some of the damage to blood vessel linings that can be caused by inflammation due to chronic blood sugar problems.
13. Diet aid
Broccoli is a good carb and is high in fiber, which aids in digestion, prevents constipation, maintains low blood sugar, and curbs overeating. Broccolis isothiocyanates and omega 3 fatty acids also help to regulate inflammation. Furthermore, a 2010 study published in the journal Inflammation Researcher suggested that the flavonoid kaempferol lessens the impact of allergens, especially in the intestinal tract, which can reduce chronic inflammation.
14. Detoxification
Phytocheimcals glucoraphanin, gluconasturtiin and glucobrassicin compose a terrific trio in broccoli. Together, they aid all steps of the bodys detoxification process, from activation to neutralization and elimination of contaminants. A study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America found that the sprouts of broccoli may be especially potent in this regard.
15. Eye health
Youve probably heard that carrots are good for your eyes, and thats because they contain lutein, Jarzabkowski said. Its a compound antioxidant thats really good for eye health, and broccoli is also a great way to get it. Another antioxidant in broccoli called zeaxanthin is similarly beneficial. Both chemicals may help protect against macular degeneration, an incurable condition that blurs central vision, and cataracts, a clouding of the eyes lens.
16. Anti inflammatory benefits
Broccoli is a great anti inflammatory and may slow down the damage to joints associated with osteoarthritis. A 2013 study at the University of East Anglia found that broccolis sulforaphane may help people suffering from arthritis because this chemical blocks the enzymes that cause joint destruction by stopping a key molecule known to cause inflammation.
17. Broccoli facts
Broccoli originated in Italy, where it was developed from wild cabbage and has existed since about sixth century B.C. The Italian name for broccoli is broccolo, meaning the flowering top of a cabbage. The word comes from the Latin word brachium, which means branch or arm, a reflection of the vegetables treelike shape. The plant came to France in 1560. Until the early 1700s, broccoli was still not widely known in England and was called sprout colli flower or Italian asparagus.
18. Protect your skin against the effects of UV light
Broccoli may help prevent skin cancer, not by eating it though, but by applying it directly to the skin. An article in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that the damaging effects of UV (ultraviolet) radiation can be appreciably reduced with the topical application of a broccoli extract.
19. Reverse diabetes heart damage
Eating broccoli promotes the production of enzymes that help protect heart blood vessels5 and reduce the molecules that damage them. Fresh heads are an excellent source of folates; contain about 63
20. Reduce cancer risk
At broccoli just three times each month and you could potentially reduce the chance of developing bladder cancer6 by around 40 percent, according to experts at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, USA. This flower vegetable is rich source of vitamin K; and B complex group of vitamins like niacin (vit B 3), pantothenic acid (vit.B 5), pyridoxine (vit.B 6), and riboflavin. The flower heads also have some amount of omega 3 fatty acids. This flower vegetable is rich source of vitamin K; and B complex group of vitamins like niacin (vit B 3), pantothenic acid (vit.B 5), pyridoxine (vit.B 6), and riboflavin. The flower heads also have some amount of omega 3 fatty acids.