Broccoli: The nutritional powerhouse

Broccoli belongs to the cabbage family of vegetables. It looks very similar to a cauliflower and is most often known as the healthiest among vegetables. They may be rightly called as the nutritional power houses.  Broccoli have many varieties among them most famous is the Calabrese broccoli; the one which has thick stalks and green heads.

Low in calories and high in its nutritional value, here are some health benefits of broccoli:

Prevent Diabetes Damage

Sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli prevents damage to the blood vessels caused by diabetes. Sulforaphane has also been found to decrease the damage caused by increased blood sugar levels.

Prevention of Cancer

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli have been found to prevent cancer notably of, prostrate, breast, lungs and colon. Sulforaphane in broccoli also have a role in programmed cell death of cancer cells. Research suggests that 60% of cancer risks can be reduced by just 3 servings in a week.

Promotes Detoxification of body

Glucoraphanin, glucobrassicin and gluconasturtiin present in broccoli have detoxification affect in the body. We unknowingly inhale many harmful pollutants that cause damage in the body, broccoli helps in the elimination of these pollutants.

Improves bone health

Broccoli is rich in vitamin K content. The main reason for bone fracture is poor vitamin K levels in the body. By intake of sufficient amount of vitamin K bone health improves by easy absorption of Calcium and reduction in elimination of calcium through urine.

Keeps you younger

Vitamin C found in broccoli can reverse the damages caused to the skin because of pollution and sun damage. In its raw form vitamin C prevents wrinkles and promotes healthy skin texture. Vitamin C helps in the production of collagen, the foundation of a healthy skin. Vitamin A and E found in broccoli are also known for their role in keeping skin healthy.

Home remedies using Broccoli:

• Brain health

Consuming cooked or boiled broccoli for 3 times a week improves brain health and increase memory power

• Detoxification

Smoothie for detoxification:

Take chopped broccoli and peeled banana in a mixer. Add some water to it. Blend the mixture for 2 minutes. The smoothie is ready and can be consumed in an empty stomach in the morning or with breakfast

Side effects:

• Broccoli overconsumption must be checked, because it has the potential to cause irritation to the bowels as it is extremely  fibrous in nature
• People suffering from thyroid ailments must consume broccoli after consulting with doctor. Since thyroid glands may get swollen due to broccoli consumption.