Broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables we can consume, and its merit is not limited to its head, but its leaves, sprouts, and stalks are highly beneficial too.
According to Jillian Levy, CHHC:
“Broccoli was first cultivated as an edible crop in the northern Mediterranean region starting in about the sixth century B.C., and as far back as the Roman Empire, it’s been considered a uniquely valuable food when it comes promoting health and longevity.
Research links broccoli nutrition and cruciferous vegetable consumption with loads of health benefits, including these:
- Lowered blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Slowed aging
- Better teeth and gum health
- Better bone health
- Prevention of prematurely aged, irritated skin
- Better wound healing
- Better eye health
- Detoxified blood
- Balanced pH level and regulated blood acidity
- Improved hormonal health and adrenal gland functioning
- Improved fertility
- Increased metabolism and better management of a healthy weight
- Better cognitive function, even into old age”
It offers a myriad of other health benefits too, so here are some additional facts you need to know:
–Broccoli is high in antioxidants and flavonoids, so it fortifies the immune system and fights inflammation
— Broccoli is rich in glucoraphanin, which the body turns into sulforaphane, an antioxidant which fights oxidative stress and regulates cholesterol
-Sulforaphane improves the function of the liver and prevents liver issues
— The high fiber content regulates blood sugar and improves the function of the digestive system
Broccoli is undoubtedly a superfood, but its excessive consumption can lead to harmful effects in some people:
— In people with a sensitive digestive system, as it can lead to flatulence
— People suffering from hypothyroidism, since it is a goitrogenic food, and can affect the absorption of thyroid hormone T4
— In people who take blood-thinners, as it is high in vitamin K
Make sure you eat the broccoli raw or shortly steamed, as high temperatures weaken its nutritional value. Note that raw broccoli contains tenfold the number of antioxidants compared to broccoli steamed for more than three minutes.
Moreover, consider the following facts:
“100g of Raw Broccoli Stalks contains 93 mg vitamin C, 71 mcg folate, 48 mg calcium, 25 mg magnesium, and 66 mg phosphorous.
100g of Raw Broccoli Head contains 89 mg vitamin C, 63 mcg folate, 47 mg calcium, 21 mg magnesium, and 66 mg phosphorus.
100 g of Raw Broccoli Leaves contains 93 mg vitamin C, 72 mcg folate, 47 mg calcium, 25 mg magnesium, 68 mg phosphorus.”
You can add broccoli leaves to your smoothies and salads, or peel broccoli stalks and prepare them as broccoli heads. Then, enjoy the taste and numerous benefits of this fantastic veggie!
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