Top Ten Health Benefits of Broccoli

Cultivated from wild cabbage during Roman times, ‘broccolo’ or cabbage sprout, is the name of these nutritious mini trees in Italian. All though not many kids would choose broccoli as their favorite vegetable, mom was totally right; they have some pretty remarkable ingredients! From preventing cancers to treating Autism, broccoli just might be a miracle food, here are our top ten health benefits of broccoli:

Health Benefits of Broccoli:

1. Brain Boost High levels of potassium allow the brain to maintain the most optimal cognitive function, and also support consistent muscle development. Lignans and glucosinolates are also plentiful within this veggie, and they make quite an impact on your cognitive ability by slowing down the weakening of neurotransmitters.
2. Prevents Cancer One of the top health benefits of broccoli is that it causes lower risk of lung and colon cancer. A compound of broccoli named sulforaphane inhibits the enzyme histone deacetylase (HDAC), which is known to enable cancer cell progression. Sulforaphane, the sulfur-containing compound of broccoli, has notably delayed and impede melanoma, esophageal, prostate, and pancreatic cancers by ridding the body of the bacterium H. pylori. Folate is also an essential constituent, as it has been shown to decrease the risk of breast cancer. Consuming folate regularly has been known to protect against colon, stomach, pancreatic, and cervical cancers as well.
3. Skin Saver This vegetable helps to repair damage that naturally occurs from sun exposure and pollution. Glucoraphanin, a nutrient within broccoli, which cleanses the skin and allows it to repair itself.
4. Detoxifying Properties The phytonutrients of this cruciferous plant have been known to have many health benefits, but who knew they could also purify the body? Glucoraphanin, gluconasturtiin and glucobrassicin are necessary in regulating the body’s natural mechanism of removing impurities from the body. Isothyacyanates also help to expel impurities on a genetic level.
5. Immune System Broccoli contains adequate amounts of Vitamin C, an antioxidant, which is significant in fighting off free radicals. This natural antihistamine helps to induce a faster immune response when fighting the common cold.
6. Healthy Bones With a hearty amount to Vitamin K and calcium, eating broccoli consistently will provide nutrients for your bones and keep them from developing diseases such as osteoporosis.
7. Improved Digestion Since broccoli highly fibrous, it maintains regular digestion, stabilizes blood sugar, and controls overeating. Eating a cup of broccoli has as much protein as a cup of rice or corn, but only half of the calories.
8. Heart Healthy Harnessing magnesium, calcium, and potassium, broccoli is able regulate blood pressure. Lutein, a carotenoid that is present in broccoli, which slows down and even prevents arteries from thickening. This can help fight against heart disease and stroke. Vitamin B6 and folate are also essential in reducing anemia, artherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke.
9. Treats Autism John Hopkins University conducted a study that included an extracted sulforaphane from broccoli sprouts. Not only did this chemical show promise to prevent certain cancers, but may also ease behavioral symptoms in those who have autism. Those who received a daily dose of this compound had significant progress within social interaction, verbal communication, and a decline in ritualistic behavior
10. Inflammation Reducer Broccoli also has substantial amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which are know for their anti-inflammatory ability. Kaempferol and isothiacyanates are both also anti-inflammatory phytonutrients that are present in broccoli. Research has detected that kaempferol is able to considerably lessen the impact that allergens have on our body. This study confirms sulforaphane disrupts a critical enzyme which damaging cartilage. Thus, eating broccoli can help slow and even inhibit osteoarthritis.