Broccoli is probably the least liked vegetable amongst the young ones but proves to be the healthiest for people of all generations. Researchers from the University of California discovered a chemical present in this veggie (sulforaphane) that rejuvenates your immune system. To dive deeper into understanding how broccoli benefits your overall well-being, read on.
Broccoli Health Benefits
Before we delve into the major broccoli benefits, we need to understand what a cruciferous vegetable is since broccoli belongs to that category. ‘Cruciferous’ is a scientific terminology used to identify plants that form the cabbage family. This category of vegetables contains sulforaphane, a compound that is a potent antioxidant and helps prevent breast cancer cell development. Other notable vegetables that are a part of the cruciferous group are kale, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, and cabbage.
1. Presence of Sulforaphane
Broccoli is slowly gaining recognition as a superfood due to its high quantity of sulforaphane presence. When you incorporate around 30 grams of this vegetable into your daily diet, you fulfil your sulforaphane quota for the day.
2. Enriched with Potassium
Broccoli contains potassium that ensures a healthy nervous system and proper brain function. It also takes care of muscle growth which is very important as muscle tends to get worn down with daily hustle.
3. Source of Vitamin C
Broccoli is bestowed with vitamin C, an antioxidant essential to fight off free radicals. The winter season and changing weather make you susceptible to catching a cold and flu. Consuming broccoli benefits immunity because vitamin C is a natural antihistamine that helps ease the discomfort that the common cold can cause.
4. Availability of Triple Phytochemicals
Phytochemicals such as glucobrassicin, glucoraphanin, and glucosinolates make up the holy trinity in broccoli. These phytochemicals play a huge role in the blood purification process and may help prevent cancer. Regular detoxification gives you clear skin and shiny hair. As per many studies, broccoli has been found to be a potent source of these three phytochemicals.
5. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
You should reap the benefits of eating broccoli in the winter season during which time your joints might be stiffer than usual. Broccoli is bestowed with anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent damage to the joints. The compound sulforaphane slows down the cartilage destruction and stops the progression of arthritis. It also reduces the pain that is known to increase inflammation either due to the cold weather or because of an associated condition such as arthritis.
Right Way to Prepare Broccoli
To get the maximum nutrients out of broccoli, you should pay special attention to the way you are preparing it for consumption. As per a study conducted by the University of Warwick, it was found that boiling broccoli was counterproductive as it destroys its anti-cancerous properties.
Lightly stir-frying broccoli, steaming it for around 15-20 minutes, or even microwaving for about 3-5 minutes would keep the nutrients intact. For best results, try consuming it raw in salads or along with meat or chicken. You can enjoy the broccoli benefits even by blanching it in scalding water for a few seconds and immediately immerse it in ice-cold water.
Conclusion
Now that you are aware of the major broccoli benefits, we believe that it’ll be easier for you to trust this cruciferous vegetable. Including this green veggie in your diet plan will not only help you reach your fitness goal more effectively but will also ensure a stronger immunity.
