Broccoli originated in Italy (in ancient Roman times) where it existed since 6th Century BC. Broccoli was cultivated from wild cabbage – actually the broccoli is a close relative of cabbage and cauliflower. Italians call it “broccolo” which means the flowering top of a cabbage. Broccoli mostly can be found in Europe and the Mediterranean countries. In USA broccoli was introduced by Italian immigrants. The largest cultivator of broccoli in the world is China, followed by India, but the main consumers remain western countries.
This popular vegetable has valuable unique combination of nutrients, organic compounds, minerals and vitamins which can provide several medicinal health benefits – prevention of different types of cancer, improvement of the digestive system, decrease of so called “bad cholesterol” and increased blood pressure, detoxification of the body, allergy prevention, strengthening of the immune system, skin protection, prevention of birth defects, vision improvement and even anti-inflammation activity.
Broccoli is rich of vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, folate, potassium, selenium, vitamin A, manganese, magnesium, tryptophan, vitamin B6, phosphorus and little zinc and iron. At the same time, this vegetable is a good source of phytonutrient glucosinolates, flavonoids and various other antioxidants which can prevent several dangerous diseases by neutralizing free radicals that cause cell damage.
Broccoli health benefits – cancer
Several studies confirmed that broccoli can prevent different types of cancer including breast cancer, cancer of the uterus, prostate cancer and some other cancers (lungs, colon, liver, kidneys, intestines). This vegetable is particularly beneficial for hormone-sensitive tumors such as breast cancer and uterine cancer, since broccoli removes extra estrogen from the body. Whole broccoli anticancer properties are insured by specific compounds such as glucoraphanin, diindolylmethane, beta-carotene, selenium and other nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc, potassium and certain amino acids.
Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables help keeping whole body less acidic. It is well known that cancer cells like acidic environment and Anticancer alkaline diet is strongly recommended not only for cancer prevention but also for prevention of recurrences.
In one of the most amazing findings of our time, broccoli extract was found to kill the “beating heart” of cancerous tumors, the cancer stem cells that are even resistant to chemo and radiation treatment!
GreenMedInfo, April, 2013
Broccoli health benefits – detoxification
Some broccoli properties such as vitamin C, sulphur and certain amino acids are very effective detoxifiers. Broccoli helps to remove free radicals and toxins like uric acid from the body, thereby purifying the blood and keeping away problems related to toxins such as boils, itches, rashes, gout, arthritis, rheumatism, renal calculi, skin diseases like eczema and hardening of the skin.
Some studies discovered in broccoli very specific phytonutrients trio (phytocheimcals glucoraphanin, gluconasturtiin and glucobrassicin) which support different steps of body detoxification – from activation to neutralization and elimination of all toxins.
Broccoli health benefits – skin
It is well known that antioxidants can keep your skin young and glowing. As broccoli is rich of antioxidants (beta-carotene, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins C, B, E), it can take very good care of your skin and leave it glowing, healthy and radiant.
At the same time, broccoli’s phytonutrients have been connected with reversing the negative effects of sun exposure.
Broccoli health benefits – gastroenteral system
Broccoli health benefits
Dietary fiber is an important ingredient for healthy gastroenteral system – it can cure almost all stomach disorders by curing constipation, since constipation is the root of almost all the stomach disorders. Broccoli (mainly its fiber) adds to the bulkiness of the food, retains water and forms healthy bowel movements. At the same time, several microelements and vitamins of the broccoli can cure acidity, facilitate proper digestion and absorption of nutrients from the food and soothe the stomach by reducing inflammation.
Broccoli fiber digestive benefits are also very well known – fiber keeps regular digestion and helps maintain healthy bacteria levels in the intestines. Broccoli supports digestion by keeping stomach lining healthy.
Broccoli health benefits – cardio-vascular system
Broccoli antioxidants, high levels of fiber and beta-carotene, omega-3 fatty acids and complex vitamins are contributing in “bad cholesterol” reduction – it keeps proper heart functions by regulating blood pressure. It is well known that broccoli potassium is working like vasodilator that can boost blood flow and oxygenation of important organs by relaxing tension and stress of veins and blood vessels. Broccoli can keep blood vessels strong. The sulforaphane in broccoli is acting against inflammation and preventing and/or reversing damage to blood vessel linings caused by chronic blood sugar problems. All mentioned broccoli properties can reduce the risk of coronary artery disease.
Broccoli health benefits – eyes
Several broccoli properties (zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, vitamin A, phosphorus, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E) are very good for ocular health. These substances protect eyes against macular degeneration and cataracts, while also repairing damage done from by radiation.
Broccoli health benefits – immune system
Some broccoli nutrients are responsible for the green and purple color (vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin B, selenium, copper, zinc, phosphorus) – these compounds are great immune system strengtheners that can protect from several infections and diseases.
Broccoli health benefits – bones
Broccoli is rich in calcium, vitamin K, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus which is important for bone health and prevention of osteoporosis. Broccoli is recommended for children, old people, pregnant women or lactating mothers as they are most prone to osteoporosis, weakening of bones and teeth and calcium deficiency.
Broccoli health benefits – anemia
Broccoli can be pretty effective during anemia because it has iron and certain proteins. Copper is also found in broccoli which is another essential mineral in the production of red blood cells, along with iron.
Broccoli health benefits – anti-inflammation
Broccoli is a particularly rich source of kaempferol and isothiocyanates – both anti-inflammatory phytonutrients. Research has shown the ability of kaempferol to lessen the impact of allergy-related substances on our body. Broccoli even has significant amounts of omega 3 fatty acids, which are well known as an anti-inflammatory.
