Broccoli: 10 Health Benefits

Broccoli - Yum! Yes, this close relative of cabbage and cauliflower is both nutritious and delicious. While the largest cultivators of broccoli are China and India, the popular vegetable is eaten all over the world. In fact, it's loaded with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that work to keep the body healthy. Broccoli health benefits include the ability to boost the immune system, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and so much more.

Broccoli Health Benefits

1. Treats Cancer

Thanks to the powerful anti-carcinogenic compounds it contains, broccoli health benefits include the ability to help protect the body from cancer. For one, broccoli helps remove extra estrogen from the body which then reduces the risk of various types of cancer, including breast cancer and cancer of the uterus. (1)

2. Detoxes the Body

Broccoli health benefits also include the ability to help the body detox. Broccoli contains Vitamin C, sulfur, and certain amino acids that work to remove free radicals and toxins from the body, including uric acid. Furthermore, by aiding in the detox process, broccoli helps purify the blood and reduce inflammatory problems such as gout, rashes, eczema, and arthritis. (2)

3. Promotes Skin Health

Again, broccoli contains beta-carotene, Vitamin C, and other antioxidants. These nutrients further help to promote skin health. The Vitamin E, in particular, helps keep your hair shiny, while Vitamin A and K work to keep your skin moisturized, healthy and glowing. (3)

4. Protects the Skin

Likewise, broccoli health benefits include protection from UV rays. A phytonutrient found in broccoli, called glucoraphanin, has been shown to reverse the negative effects of sun exposure. Adding broccoli to your diet could help keep your skin sunburn-free! (4)

5. Treats Stomach Disorders

Broccoli health benefits include improved stomach health. Of course, fiber is important to good digestion. The fiber that broccoli contains works to keep the digestive system running smoothly. It can also improve stomach problems, such as constipation, by reducing inflammation and facilitating proper digestion. (5)

6. Prevents Heart Diseases

Thanks to the antioxidants it contains, broccoli health benefits include protection from heart disease. Additionally, broccoli also contains fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and other vitamins that work to reduce cholesterol levels and properly regulate blood pressure. (6)

7. Promotes Eye Health

Broccoli health benefits include improved eye health. The beta-carotene, Vitamin A, phosphorus, and zeaxanthin in broccoli help support eye health. The many nutrients broccoli contains also work to protect the eyes against macular degeneration and cataracts. (7)

8. Improves Immunity

Did you know that the color of vegetables reflects the nutrients they contain? For example, the nutrients in broccoli are responsible for the vegetable's green and purple coloring. Vitamin C, beta-carotene, selenium, copper, zinc, and phosphorus all work to support a healthy immune system. Broccoli health benefits include a natural immune system boost. (8)

9. Improves Bone Health

Well, you know calcium is important for bone health, but do you know which vegetables are high in calcium? Yes, broccoli is relatively high in calcium! Therefore, the calcium in broccoli is important for bone health. Especially for children, elderly people and pregnant women, calcium plays a role in keeping the bones strong and healthy to prevent osteoporosis and bone weakening. Consider cooking your broccoli to make the calcium easier to assimilate. (9)

10. Aids in Pregnancy

Finally, broccoli health benefits include the ability to aid in a healthy pregnancy. Of course, the many antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that broccoli contains help reduce the chance of deficiencies. This is crucial during pregnancy. Additionally, the folate in broccoli helps to protect against specific birth defects caused by nutrient deficiency, especially neural-tube defects. (10)

For delicious recipes highlighting broccoli and the many ways to enjoy it, check out these recipes on DavidWolfe.com!