Broccoli-Health Benefits And Nutritional Facts

April 28, 2020 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in Nutrition Facts

Broccoli is an edible green plant in the cabbage family whose large flowering head and stalk is eaten as a vegetable. It belongs to the plant species known as Brassica oleracea. This article tells you about the health benefits and nutritional facts of broccoli.

It’s closely related to cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale and cauliflower. The word broccoli comes from the Italian plural of broccolo, which means “the flowering crest of a cabbage”, and the brocco means “small nail” or “sprout”. All edible plants collectively referred to as cruciferous vegetables.

Broccoli can be eaten as raw or as cooked, but nutrient values may be variable. They can lose some nutrients like vitamin C, protein and sugars during cooking while consuming as raw it contains all nutrients. Both cooked or raw are perfectly healthy but provide different nutrient profiles. It is mostly used in soups and salads.

Benefits

Broccoli provide sulfur-containing compounds that are responsible for their often pungent taste. Broccoli supports human health in many aspects.

  • Improves bone health
  • Reduces the risk of cancer
  • Skin health
  • Boosts immune health
  • Supports heart health
  • Bioactive compounds reduces inflammation
  • Healthy pregnancy outcomes
  • Contains antioxidants
  • Helps in digestion
  • Lowers blood sugar level
  • Supports brain health
  • Reduces constipation
  • Lowers cholesterol levels
  • Improves eye health

The body produces molecules called free radicals during natural processes such as metabolism, and environmental stresses. Free radicals are toxic in large amounts. They can cause cell damage that can lead to cancer and other conditions. The body can eliminate many of them with the help of antioxidants. As an antioxidant, vitamin C can also help prevent skin damage, including wrinkling due to aging.

Broccoli contains vitamin C, calcium. Vitamin C produces collagen. Calcium and collagen work together to make strong bones. Over 99% of the body’s calcium is present in the bones and teeth. Broccoli contains various bioactive compounds that have been shown to reduce inflammation in your body’s tissues.

Nutritional facts

It is low in calories but rich source of vitamins, minerals like folate, potassium, manganese, iron, and vitamins C and K1, fiber and antioxidants.

  • Broccoli is higher in protein than most vegetables. 
  • Broccoli is a rich source of multiple vitamins, minerals and fiber. Different cooking methods may affect the vegetables nutrient composition, but broccoli is a healthy addition to your diet whether cooked or raw.
  • Fiber promotes gut health and may reduce your risk of various diseases.

Your body requires a multitude of vitamins, minerals and protein during pregnancy to support both baby and mother. Broccoli is a good source of B vitamins like folate (vitamin B9). Folate is an essential nutrient for the development of the fetal brain and spinal cord. Regular consumption of folate-rich foods like broccoli can help ensure healthy pregnancy outcomes.

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