Broccoli is a nutrient-dense, filling and delicious vegetable with many health benefits. The cruciferous vegetable, known as a superfood, is low in calories and contains numerous nutrients and antioxidants that support many aspects of human health. Among the benefits of broccoli is that it helps prevent diseases and infections by strengthening the digestive system and immune system. In addition, it protects skin health and delays aging.
Broccoli has an extremely high nutritional value compared to other vegetables. It is a source of powerful vitamins such as vitamins C and K and some minerals. It is also rich in vitamin B and manganese in its raw form.
Health Benefits of Broccoli
The body produces molecules called free radicals during natural processes such as metabolism and environmental stresses. Free radicals can cause cell damage that can lead to cancer or other conditions. The body can eliminate many of them, but dietary antioxidants such as broccoli can help the body in this regard. In addition, the benefits of broccoli can be listed as follows:
Protects Against Cancer
One ofthe benefits of broccoli is that it is protective and preventive against cancer. Broccoli contains various bioactive compounds that prevent cell damage caused by a number of chronic diseases. Some studies have shown that this and other vegetables from the cruciferous family can protect against certain types of cancer if consumed regularly.
A Powerful Antioxidant
Broccoli helps prevent cell damage with its powerful antioxidant properties and keeps the body under protection by preventing inflammation. A substance called glucoraphanin is converted into sulforaphane, a powerful antioxidant, during digestion. Research shows that this substance lowers blood sugar, balances cholesterol and has a preventive role in the development of chronic diseases. In addition, the lutein and zeaxanthin contained in it help to protect eye health.
Strengthens the Digestive System
Rich in fiber and powerful antioxidant properties, broccoli strengthens the digestive system and reduces inflammation in the large intestine. It prevents problems such as constipation by ensuring easy digestion of nutrients.
Protects Heart Health
LDL and triglyceride levels, known as bad cholesterol, play an important role in preparing the ground for cardiovascular diseases. Research shows that bad cholesterol decreases, good cholesterol increases and triglyceride levels decrease in individuals who regularly consume this vegetable. While it helps to reduce the risk of heart attack with its strong antioxidant properties, it also reduces the possibility of heart diseases.
Regulates Blood Sugar
The vegetable, which is recommended to be consumed especially by people with diabetes, is effective in regulating blood sugar. According to research, it has been observed that insulin resistance decreased significantly in patients with type 2 diabetes who regularly consume broccoli. This vegetable, which is a food source high in fiber, helps to keep diabetes under control by lowering high blood sugar.
Supports the Nervous System and Strengthens Memory
Rich in vitamin K and choline, broccoli contributes to the strengthening of memory and the functionality of the nervous system. It can also help prevent the onset of Alzheimer's and many neurodegenerative diseases with its sulforaphane component.
Strengthens Bones and Prevents Bone Resorption
It contains both calcium and vitamin K, which are important for bone health and the prevention of osteoporosis. Besides calcium, it is also packed with other nutrients such as magnesium, zinc and phosphorus. Because of these properties, it is extremely beneficial and important for children, the elderly and nursing mothers.
Protects Skin and Delays Aging
A powerhouse of antioxidants, Vitamin C, minerals such as copper and zinc, the vegetable helps maintain healthy skin. It has a protective effect against skin diseases and infections. It also supports the natural brightness of the skin, keeping it young and delaying aging.
Supports Eye Health
It contains vitamins such as beta carotene, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, phosphorus and B complex. All these rich nutrients support eye health. It protects the eyes against muscle degeneration, cataracts and harmful radiation and repairs damage.
Supports Weight Loss
Vegetable, which is a good carbohydrate, helps digestion, prevents constipation and prevents overeating with its high fiber feature. It provides benefits when consumed regularly by people who want to lose weight and lose weight, as well as a healthy diet.
What is the Nutritional Value of Broccoli?
The vegetable, which contains many nutrients beneficial for human health, is filling and delicious, contains many vitamins, minerals, fiber and bioactive components. The nutritional values of about 100 grams of broccoli are as follows:
Calories: 34
Carbohydrate 7 grams
Protein 3 grams
Fat: 0.4 grams
Fiber: 2.4 grams
Vitamin C 148 percent of the daily value
Vitamin K 115 percent of the daily value
Vitamin A 12 percent of the daily value
Vitamin B-6: 10 percent of the daily value
Potassium: 8 percent of the daily value
Phosphorus 7 percent of the daily value
Magnesium: 5 percent of the daily value
Selenium: 3 percent of the daily value
Vitamin C is one of the vitamins most needed by the immune system. Broccoli, which contains plenty of vitamin C, plays an important role in preventing and curing diseases.
What are the Side Effects of Broccoli?
In general, broccoli does not have any significant side effects unless consumed in high quantities. When consumed in moderation, there is usually no harm. The most common side effect is intestinal bloating or irritation due to the high amount of fiber. Also, all cruciferous vegetables can cause gas, but the benefits outweigh the side effects.