When it Comes to Vegetables, There Are a Lot of Benefits to Eating Broccoli

Broccoli is a versatile, delicious vegetable. Though it is a common sight in American grocery stores and refrigerator drawers, many people do not realize what a nutritional powerhouse this vegetable is. Its humble green color hides a treasure trove of vitamins and antioxidants that ought to promote it to superfood status. Low in calories but highly satiating, it is a fantastic choice for dieters, but it has benefits for everyone who wants to achieve better health and live longer. From the brain to the eyes to the immune system, eating broccoli improves the health of many parts of the body. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, it reduces the risk of several diseases including cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Everyone would benefit from incorporating more broccoli into their diets, whether it is raw, roasted in the oven, stir-fried, or steamed. Read on to discover more about the amazing health benefits of broccoli.

1 - Low in Calories

At only 31 calories per cup, broccoli is a low-calorie food. Because of its protein and fiber content, it is quite filling despite the low calorie count. It is therefore an excellent food choice for people who are trying to lose weight or manage their weight. Roasted broccoli with some seasoning and a tiny bit of olive oil is an excellent side dish or snack. Maintaining a healthy weight can help one to avoid many different health problems associated with obesity, which include heart disease and cancer.

2 - Full of Antioxidants

Broccoli contains large amounts of antioxidants, which are particles that reduce or reverse cell damage in the body. Many people associate antioxidants with so-called “superfoods” such as acai berries, but common vegetables like broccoli have them too! One antioxidant that comes from broccoli is called sulforaphane. Several studies have shown that this antioxidant has the potential to lower blood sugar as well as cholesterol. Some of the antioxidants in broccoli are known to promote good eye health.

3 - Contains Plenty of Fiber

It is a well-known fact that most Americans do not get enough fiber. Fiber is essential for keeping the digestive tract healthy. In addition to being important for digestion, fiber may help lower blood sugar. This makes it especially important for diabetics. Broccoli contains 2.4 grams of fiber per cup. For reference, health guidelines say people should get at least 25 grams of fiber per day. Eating a serving or two of broccoli can definitely help one meet that recommendation.

4 - Good for the Brain

Green vegetables, including broccoli, have been shown to have enormous benefits for the brain. Broccoli contains a substance which has actually been shown to reduce inflammation in the brain following injuries. It contains an antioxidant that has also been shown in studies to reduce brain inflammation. Inflammation in the brain is thought to play a role in the cognitive decline that is common as people age, and it may contribute to the worsening of neurodegenerative diseases.

5 - Boosts the Immune System

Broccoli contains a large amount of vitamin C, which is important for the immune system. Vitamin C reduces the risk of various infections and diseases. Although people typically think of citrus fruits as a source of vitamin C, broccoli provides enough of this vitamin while contributing fewer calories and less sugar. For those who are trying to eat diets low in carbohydrates but still want to eat nutritionally dense foods, broccoli is a great choice!

6 - Lowers the Risk of Several Cancers

Broccoli is part of a group of vegetables known as cruciferous vegetables. This group of vegetables has been shown to reduce the risk of developing several kinds of cancers including breast, stomach, colorectal, kidney, and bladder cancer. Scientists are continuing to investigate the role of these vegetables in preventing cancer. Though the mechanism by which they might do so is unknown, preventing cancer is another reason to eat more cruciferous vegetables like broccoli!