10 Health Benefits Of Broccoli
Author: Douglas Poh
Broccoli is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), Thiamin, Riboflavin, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Selenium, and also has good Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Folate, Potassium, Manganese and good antioxidant properties.
Broccoli has twice as much vitamin C of an orange, as much calcium as whole milk, and has better absorption of calcium. It also contain selenium, a mineral found to have anti-cancer, anti viral properties.
The phytonutrients, sulforaphane and the indoles, contained in broccoli have significant anti-cancer effects. Proven by research (indole-3-carbinol) helps deactivate a potent estrogen metabolite that promotes tumor growth, especially in estrogen-sensitive breast cells, simultaneously increasing the level of 2-hydroxyestrone, which is a form of estrogen that can be cancer-protective. Not only Indole-3 carbinol can suppress breast tumor cell growth, but also cancer cell metastasis (the movement of cancerous cells to other parts of the body.
Sulforaphane contained in broccoli offer special protection to those with colon cancer-susceptible genes.
Broccoli sprouts contain 10-100 times the power of mature broccoli to boost enzymes that detoxify potential carcinogens! A healthy serving of broccoli sprouts in your salad or sandwich can offer some great health benefits.
Broccoli helps significant reduction in heart disease risk, cataract prevention, boost our immune system, build stronger bones because of the folic acid presence. Deficiency if folic acid is the world most common vitamin deficiency.
Broccoli not only is a rich source of vitamins, it also has both insoluble and soluble fiber which our body need. Botanically, broccoli belongs to the cabbage family, collectively know as cruciferous vegetables, which health organizations recommend a must-have foods several times a week, because they lower the risk of cancer.
Listed below are 10 health benefits of broccoli.
Nervous System
Broccoli contains a high amount of potassium, which helps maintain a healthy nervous system and optimal brain function, as well as promotes regular muscle growth.
Blood Pressure
Along with a high amount of potassium, Broccoli also contains magnesium and calcium that help regulate blood pressure.
Vitamin C
One cup of broccoli contains the RDA of vitamin C, an antioxidant necessary for fighting against free radicals. Moreover, vitamin C is an effective antihistamine for easing the discomfort of the common cold.
Bone Health Broccoli contains high levels of both calcium and vitamin K, both of which are important for bone health and prevention of osteoporosis.
Sun Damage
Broccoli is helpful in repairing skin damage thanks to the glucoraphanin it contains which helps the skin to detoxify and repair itself.
Immune System
One cup of broccoli bolsters the immune system with a large dose of beta-carotene. Trace minerals, such as zinc and selenium, further act to strengthen immune defense actions.
Cancer
Broccoli contains glucoraphanin, which with the body processes into the anti-cancer compound sulforaphane. This compound rids the body 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.
Diet Aid
Broccoli 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.
Vision
Studies have shown that the carotenoid lutein helps prevent age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, as well as possesses anti-cancer effects. Additionally, broccoli is a good source of vitamin A that is needed to form retinal, the light-absorbing molecule that is essential for both low-light and color vision.
Heart Disease
The carotenoid lutein may also slow down or prevent the thickening of arteries in the human body, thus fighting against heart disease and stoke. The B6 and folate in broccoli also reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke.
Health Wellness Affiliate is birth with a vision as an educational and informative resource blog to help everyone taking control of their health so that we will all live life to the fullest. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. http://www.healthwellnessaffiliate.com
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/10-health-benefits-of-broccoli-5367919.html
About the Author
Health Wellness Affiliate is birth with a vision as an educational and informative resource blog to help everyone taking control of their health so that we will all live life to the fullest. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
