1.Cancer
Prevention
Broccoli
contains glucoraphanin, which the body processes into the anti-cancer compound
sulforaphane. This compound rids the body of H. pylori, a bacterium found to
highly increase the risk of gastric cancer. Furthermore, broccoli contains
indole-3-carbinol, a powerful antioxidant compound and anti-carcinogen found to
not only hinder the growth of breast, cervical and prostate cancer, but also
boosts liver function.Broccoli shares these cancer fighting, immune boosting
properties with other cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, Brussels
sprouts and cabbage.
Like many whole
foods, broccoli is packed with soluble fiber that draws cholesterol out of your
body.
3. Reducing
Allergy Reaction and Inflammation
Broccoli is a
particularly rich source of kaempferol and isothiocyanates, both
anti-inflammatory phyto nutrients. Research has shown the ability of kaempferol
to lessen the impact of allergy-related substances on our body. Broccoli even
has significant amounts of omega 3 fatty acids, which are well know as an
anti-inflammatory.
Of all the
cruciferous vegetables, broccoli stands out as the most concentrated source of
vitamin C, plus the flavonoids necessary for vitamin C to recycle effectively.
Also concentrated in broccoli are the carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin and
beta-carotene, other powerful antioxidants.
5.Bone Health
Broccoli
contains high levels of both calcium and vitamin K, both of which are important
for bone health and prevention of osteoporosis.
6. 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.
Glucoraphanin,
gluconasturtiin and glucobrassicin are special phytonutrients that support all
steps in the body’s detox process, including activation, neutralization and
elimination of unwanted contaminants. These three are in the perfect
combination in broccoli. Broccoli also
contains isothiocyanates (which you read about in inflammation) which help
control the detox process at a genetic level.
8. Diet Aid
Broccoli is a
smart carb and is high in fiber, which aids in digestion, prevents
constipation, maintains low blood sugar, and curbs overeating. Furthermore, a
cup of broccoli has as much protein as a cup of rice or corn with half the
calories.
9. Alkalizes
Your Body
Like many vegetables,
broccoli helps keep your whole body less acidic, which has a host of health
benefits.