Broccoli Broccoli health benefits a wide array of nutrients, some of which are known Subcutaneous fat and hormone levels support Broccoli health benefits health benfeits prevent dental diseases. The anti-inflammatory power of broccoli is tied Brococli a reduced risk of chronic diseases. Measure advertising performance. Victoria Seaver is a registered dietitian and Associate Editorial Director for EatingWell. Health Conditions A-Z. Related Articles. Research shows that sulforaphane, a key bioactive compound in broccoli, may have the capacity to slow the biochemical process of aging by increasing the expression of antioxidant genes

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Broccoli health benefits -

Broccoli contains chromium, a mineral that works with neurotransmitters in your brain those hormones that affect your mood like serotonin, norepinephrine, and melatonin.

With half a cup of broccoli, you'll get about half of the recommended dietary allowance of chromium. Research published in the medical journal Hepatology , found that cruciferous veggies, like broccoli, help increase the enzymes that protect against fatty liver and the build-up of toxins.

This is due to a specific compound found in broccoli called indole, which is associated with these anti-inflammatory benefits to the liver.

Protect your joints with the power of broccoli? Who knew? Researchers from the University of East Anglia concluded that sulforaphane, found in broccoli, decreases inflammation of the cartilage in your joints. This kind of inflammation can lead to osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis.

Eating broccoli raw will ensure you get the full range of nutrients, so feel free to add florets to a crudite platter with dips like hummus. But the truth is, raw broccoli isn't everyone's cup of tea it can be a little dry and, well, vegetal.

While cooking broccoli does cause it to lose some nutritional value, it remains quite healthy—and tastes way better. Steamed, sauteed, stir-fried, and roasted are all fantastic options for cooking broccoli and bringing out its best flavors. Research has found that steaming broccoli is the healthiest cooking method in terms of retaining the most nutrients.

Boiling is OK, too, but not always the best way to get all the nutritious benefits; some nutrients get extracted into the water and then poured down the drain, so minimizing contact with water when cooking is smart, if possible.

Weis says her favorite way to prepare broccoli is to toss the florets in olive oil, salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar and roast in the oven.

There is one condition to note, however, where specific cooking guidelines apply. If you have thyroid issues, Karen Graham, RDN, functional medicine dietitian, advises that you shouldn't eat raw broccoli. This broccoli pesto is the best reason to keep your broccoli stalks around. Slice broccoli stalks and roast in the oven mixed with the florets.

A handful of florets mingle with the pasta, but the rest goes into making a nutty, cheesy, and zesty pesto. Get the recipe. This soup manages to be both comforting and healthful.

The broccoli, leek, and potato base comes together quickly, and—with an immersion blender—it only takes one pot. Vegetables and potato dumplings get cozy in this easy, comforting weeknight dinner.

Not only does this dinner come together on just one baking sheet, but the ingredient list is also short for such a flavorful combination. This is due to their effects on estrogen. Men also naturally have lower levels of estrogen present in their bodies so broccoli nutrition helps prevent estrogen-related cancer for men, too.

The American Cancer Society recommends eating cruciferous vegetables several times a week for the best protection. Broccoli nutrition is an excellent source of vitamin K, calcium, magnesium and potassium, which are essential for healthy bones, nails and teeth.

High levels of vitamin K and iron are vital for maintaining bone mineral density in addition to having many other benefits, like promoting blood health and boosting your energy levels. Some even say that vitamin K builds bones better than calcium, and just one cup of broccoli nutrition provides over percent of your daily vitamin K needs.

Vitamin K also positively affects calcium balance, a key mineral in bone metabolism. Calcium found in this vegetable is also crucial for preventing calcium deficiency plus building and maintaining strong teeth and bones — especially into older age when people become more susceptible to bone breaks, fractures and bone density loss.

Broccoli nutrition benefits heart health in multiple ways, such as by preventing heart attacks and strokes and keeping arteries clear, in addition to correcting high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Epidemiological studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition readily show that higher fruit and vegetable intake, especially cruciferous veggie intake, is correlated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

The high fiber content of broccoli nutrition is excellent for lowering cholesterol naturally and fast. It prevents cholesterol from entering your bloodstream by binding to it and removing it, thus making it one of the best cholesterol-lowering foods.

Sulforaphane can also protect against heart disease by significantly improving high blood pressure levels as well as kidney function, while the compound called lutein present in this vegetable can prevent thickening of the arteries and plaque buildup that can lead to cardiac arrest.

Is broccoli anti-inflammatory? Yes, it packs high levels of minerals important for reducing inflammation , fighting free radical damage and protecting cardiovascular health.

In addition to promoting heart health, high-fiber foods also keep the digestive system flushed and healthy. Eating whole foods as part of a high-fiber diet promotes regular bowel movements, better gut and colon health, a more alkaline digestive tract which boosts immunity , and prevention of constipation, IBS and other digestive disorders.

Isothiocyanate sulforaphane compounds abundant in broccoli also powerfully fight against harmful bacteria within the gut and prevent oxidation that can lead to cancer within the digestive organs.

Studies show that glucosinolates, which can be metabolized by gastrointestinal microbes , also contribute to enhanced metabolic and endocrine function. A lesser-known benefit of broccoli nutrition is how it saves your eyes from age-related disorders.

It positively impacts eye health thanks to high levels of the carotenoids called lutein and zeaxanthin, which are crucial for eye health and maintaining good vision into old age. A diet high in foods that provide antioxidants, vitamin C and vitamin A is a natural way to prevent macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness in older adults.

Want to maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin even into older age? Thanks to its sulforaphane that helps repair skin damage, broccoli nutrition benefits the look, feel and health of skin. Its high levels of vitamin A and vitamin C prevent collagen breakdown, skin cancer, UV damage, wrinkles and skin inflammation.

Plus, a derivative of vitamin A found in broccoli nutrition, beta-carotene , is essential for immune functioning and has been shown to help fight cancer, including skin cancer. One cup of the cooked veggie has just over 50 calories but a good dose of fiber, protein and detoxifying phytochemicals.

Is broccoli a carb? As a complex carbohydrate high in fiber, it is a great choice for supporting balanced blood sugar levels, ongoing energy and helping you feel full. Want to know a secret to losing weight fast? Including more high-volume, low-calorie, high-nutrient foods in your meals is key.

Broccoli nutrition is high in volume due to having a high water content, so it takes up room in your stomach and squashes cravings or overeating without adding lots of calories to meals at all.

Is it OK to eat broccoli every day? Some people are concerned about eating high volumes of cruciferous vegetables and the effect on thyroid health. According to the research, it would take a large amount of cruciferous vegetables to cause any type of hypothyroidism.

It also appears to be a risk primarily for people who have an existing iodine deficiency. If you have a thyroid issue, consume cruciferous vegetables that have been cooked, and keep them to about one to two servings daily.

Broccoli also has potential to cause allergic reactions and interactions with certain medications, including warfarin. The study was conducted in mice and it was found that broccoli which contains sulforaphane, had neuroprotective effects and helped in protecting the brain from amyloid deposits and oxidative stress.

Chronic oxidative stress can delay the defecation process. A diet rich in fibre can help aid digestion process and can relieve constipation. Broccoli in addition to being rich in fibre is also rich in sulforaphane, an antioxidant.

Akinori et al. conducted a study in to assess the effects of broccoli-supplemented diet on defecation. The participants were requested to eat 20g of raw broccoli daily for 4 weeks.

Four weeks of broccoli consumption showed improvement in bowel habits. Thus, it can be concluded that the consumption of broccoli may help in improving the overall gastrointestinal health. Though there are studies that show the benefits of Broccoli in various conditions, but these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of Broccoli on human health.

Eating broccoli might improve your vision. Broccoli contains a compound named indolecarbonyl which might be able to remove environmental toxins by a specific receptor, aryl hydrocarbon receptor proteins Ahr.

This receptor might be responsible for the detoxification of the retina. You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. However, if you experience any adverse reactions to broccoli, immediately contact a doctor or your Ayurvedic physician who has prescribed it to you.

They will be able to guide you appropriately for your symptoms. Broccoli may have a beneficial role in maintaining heart health.

Based on some research, people who eat broccoli regularly may have less calcium buildup in their aortas. As we know calcified aortas might lead to heart attacks or stroke.

This hhealth veggie packs one heck of a healthy punch. Nicole Clancy Ancient healing therapies been a freelance health Broccoli health benefits wellness writer since She is Borccoli founder of Health Your Way Onlineand her column, Simply Fit, was a regular feature in the Santa Barbara Newspress for 14 years. Nicole's articles have been internationally syndicated in Vogue, Glamour and Easy Living. Broccoli isn't just extremely tasty when prepared correctly, of course —it's also exceptionally healthy.