What are the health benefits of broccoli? Broccoli is a green vegetable from the cabbage family. It is generally sold in heads, which have multiple florets branching off a central stem and sometimes have leaves still attached. Broccoli provides a health bonus in the form of protective substances that may shield you from disease. Botanically, broccoli belongs to the cabbage family, collectively known as cruciferous vegetables.
This food is very low in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol. It is also a good source of Protein, Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), Thiamin, Riboflavin, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Selenium, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Folate, Potassium and Manganese
Benefits of Broccoli
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Beta-carotene and vitamin C are important antioxidants that have been linked to a reduced risk of numerous conditions, including cataracts, heart disease, and several cancers. The health benefits of broccoli are very extensive. Not only is the vegetable loaded with essential nutrients, it also has therapeutic properties. Some people love broccoli and some people hate it, but there's no denying that broccoli is a nutrional wonder. Here are 10 benefits of broccoli:
- Helps with diabetes
- Fights heart disease
- Helps prevent cancer
- Curbs over-eating
- Promotes healthy bones
- Regulates blood pressure
- Prevents colds
- Boosts immune health
- Fights birth defects
- Regulates hormones
Nutrition Facts Broccoli
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
- Energy : 141 kJ (34 kcal)
- Carbohydrates : 6.64 g
- Sugars : 1.7 g
- Dietary fiber : 2.6 g
- Fat : 0.37 g
- Protein : 2.82 g
- Water : 89.3 g
- Vitamin A equiv. : 31 μg (4%)
- beta-carotene : 361 μg (3%)
- lutein and zeaxanthin : 1403 μg
- Thiamine (vit. B1) : 0.071 mg (6%)
- Riboflavin (vit. B2) : 0.117 mg (10%)
- Niacin (vit. B3) : 0.639 mg (4%)
- Pantothenic acid (B5) : 0.573 mg (11%)
- Vitamin B6 : 0.175 mg (13%)
- Folate (vit. B9) : 63 μg (16%)
- Vitamin C : 89.2 mg (107%)
- Vitamin E : 0.78 mg (5%)
- Vitamin K : 101.6 μg (97%)
- Calcium : 47 mg (5%)
- Iron : 0.73 mg (6%)
- Magnesium : 21 mg (6%)
- Manganese : 0.21 mg (10%)
- Phosphorus : 66 mg (9%)
- Potassium : 316 mg (7%)
- Zinc : 0.41 mg (4%)
Packed with nutrients, it is best briefly steamed, stir-fried, or eaten raw. Fresh broccoli should be refrigerated in breathable wrapping, and consumed within 2-3 days of purchase. You can also eat broccoli raw to gain maximum benefit.
